Air-Powder Polishing: An Update
Published: 2021-07-13
Page: 121-135
Issue: 2021 - Volume 4 [Issue 2]
Sharayu Rajendra Dhande *
Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, 404, 2nd Floor, M A Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, India.
Sangeeta Muglikar
Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, 404, 2nd Floor, M A Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, India.
Rashmi Hegde
Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, 404, 2nd Floor, M A Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, India.
Prerna Ghodke
Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, 404, 2nd Floor, M A Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Bacterial plaque is the principle cause of initiation of gingivitis and periodontitis. Removal of this bacterial plaque is essential for maintainence of healthy periodontium. Conventional methods employed for removal of plaque had certain drawbacks like loss of healthy tooth structure causing increased dentinal hypersensitivity, time-consuming procedure, could cause gingival lacerations and gingival bleeding, need to sharpen the instruments, operator fatigue. The air-powder abrasive system produces desired removal of plaque and other debris, surface smoothness with less operator fatigue and prevent loss of tooth structure thereby decreasing incidence of hypersensitivity and gingival tissue lacerations. Nowadays, powders with different compositions, particle sizes and applications are available. The choice of the abrasive powder depends on the device used, the operator’s choice, the type of deposit to be removed and the medical contraindications. Hence, the newer minimally abrasive air powder polishing system is an effective alternative to conventional oral prophylaxis.
Keywords: Air-powder polishing, tooth polishing, plaque, stains, non-surgical periodontal therapy, biofilm, plaque control, abrasives, occupational hazard, aerosols