air polishing/abrasion

AIR POLISHING

Studies have shown that high-quality plaque control can prevent and control gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries. Plaque control can be achieved mechanically or chemically by self care or professionally by dentists or dental hygienists. The professional treatment is carried out by means of small rotating brushes or rubber cups, scalers curettes or ultrasonic devices. Because this work is labor-intensive and time-consuming, new methods are constantly sought for a more effective treatment which is both harmless and comfortable for the patient. The Air Polishing was introduced to provide an alternative method of stain and plaque removal.

Air Polishing system uses air & water pressure to deliver a controlled stream of specially processed sodium bicarbonate in a slurry through the handpiece nozzle. Fine particles of sodium bicarbonate are propelled by compressed air in a warm spray. Water temperature is thermostatically controlled at approximately 37 degrees C or 100 degrees F.

Air Polishing is firmly established as an equally safe and, on occasion, superior alternative to traditional methods for removal of tooth stain and dental plaque and it is widely utilized and accepted by dental professionals as a conventional polishing system. Numerous scientific studies confirm that air polishing is efficacious, safe and easy to use.

The first air-polishing devices appeared on the market in the 1970 and the mechanics of air-polishing have not changed much since the 70s. The device emits a pressurised jet of air, water and sodium bicarbonate powder onto the surfaces of the teeth. This jet will remove surface stains, plaque and other soft deposits like food particles trapped in between teeth.

INDICATIONS FOR USE
-General post-scaling prophylaxis.
-Cleaning of fissures, even deep ones.
-Interproximal cleaning.
-Tooth preparation prior to etching.
-Neutralisation of acid before other procedures.
-Removal of temporary cement residues.
-Surface cleaning (for exact tooth colour determination prior to selection from shade guide.
-Cleaning of bands and brackets directly inside the mouth.
-Tooth cleaning prior to fluoridation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
-Patients with restricted sodium diets.
-Patients with respiratory, renal, or metabolic disease.
-Children.
-Air polishers also should not be used on patients/clients with exposed cementum or dentin.
-Prolonged polishing of root surfaces.

AIR ABRASION

Air abrasion is a method of tooth structure removal considered to be an effective alternative to the standard dental drill. Using a fine, precisely controlled high pressure stream, the air abrasion system removes enamel, dentin and restorative materials with ease, precision and without compromising healthy tooth structure. Air abrasion uses the kinetic energy principle, in which particles bounce off the tooth and blasts the decay away.

Air abrasion procedures are virtually painless, which, in most cases, eliminates the need for an anesthetic injection. Air abrasion systems produce no vibration and no heat from friction. The technology can't harm soft mouth tissue and they operate very quietly. Because air abrasion cuts tooth surfaces with the utmost precision, it removes less tooth than the drill and it reduces the risk of enamel micro-fracturing. In other words, the advantages are more of your tooth is preserved, there is little or no discomfort, no anesthetic numbness is needed, and treatment time is usually shorter.

Air Abrasion technology offers new alternatives for caries treatment as well as numerous other clinical restorative procedures. The indications below represent the most common applications. .

INDICATIONS
-Cavity Preparation class I-VI
-Remove defective composites
-Endodontic access through porcelain crowns
-Minimal preparation to repair crown margins
-Tunnel Prep.-Remove superficial discoloration
-Remove discolored composite resins
-Clean tooth prior to cosmetic bonding
-Etch internal surface of indirect porcelain or composite restorations

CONTRAINDICATIONS
There are some treatments, like crown and bridge preparation, that still require the use of a dental drill. Air abrasion can't be used as an alternative in every procedure. Air abrasion procedures can leave an accumulation of harmless, dusty particle debris in the patient's mouth, resulting in a gritty feeling that is eradicated by rinsing. Your dentist may require you to wear protective glasses during the procedure, and a rubber dam may be applied inside your mouth and around the tooth area being treated to serve as a particle barrier. To reduce dust buildup, the dentist or dental assistant may use a vacuum hose or a water spray technique while administering air abrasion.

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