Clinical review: Dr. Samreen Ejaz, BDS, RDS ·
What it can and can’t do
Microabrasion removes a very thin layer of the outer enamel using a special paste and careful technique. It can help with some surface marks and some fluorosis spots, which are common in areas with high fluoride in the water. It won’t remove every stain or deep marks, and it isn’t the same as a normal polish or whitening.
Working out what the marks are
Dr. Samreen looks at where the marks are, how they feel and how deep they seem, and checks the rest of the tooth is healthy. Not every white or brown patch is fluorosis. Some are early decay, some are pitted enamel, and some go deeper. Each needs a different approach.
Starting small
You only have so much enamel, so we treat a planned area and see how it responds before doing more. Whitening, a filling-type repair, or leaving the tooth alone are also options. We won’t keep removing enamel just to chase a lighter shade. If the marks are deeper than we expected, we’ll stop and talk about other options with you.
Afterwards
Your teeth may feel a bit sensitive for a while, and we’ll tell you how to manage it. Keep brushing and coming for check-ups. Before any more treatment, we’ll check how much improvement you got and how much enamel is left. Please don’t try to copy this at home with lemon, baking soda or other acids and scrubs. You can damage your enamel for good.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Questions about microabrasion for stains and fluorosis
Can fluorosis marks be removed completely?
Not always. It depends on how deep the marks go. We’ll tell you what improvement is realistic after looking.
Is microabrasion the same as scaling?
No. Scaling cleans off tartar. Microabrasion carefully treats the outer enamel itself.
Does it hurt?
You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, and teeth can feel sensitive for a short while afterwards.
This is general information. What’s right for your tooth depends on what Dr. Samreen finds when she examines it.
Background reading: Research review: interventions for dental fluorosis. These are overseas sources, so their prices and rules don’t apply here.