Dental practitioners continue to improve patient care and make the practices more efficient. The introduction of air polishers in Victoria has changed the provision of dental polishing and cleaning. The outline of this article contains the basics of air polishers, the benefits of using them, the precautions that need to be taken while using them, and the way they affect dental practices.

What is A Dental Air Polisher?

An air polisher is a dental tool that uses pressurized air, water, and an abrasive powder to clean plaque, stains and other soft deposits from the surface of the teeth.  Introduced in the 1970s, the early models mainly used supragingival cleaning, they aimed at the regions above the gum line but had their limitations, such as being cumbersome and painful for the patient due to the unpleasant-tasting powders. 

Benefits of Air Polishing

There are several advantages of air polishing over the older methods of scaling and manual polishing and it has therefore become the choice of many dentists who would like to offer their patients effective and pain-free treatment.   

• Improved Patient Comfort:  Air polishing is more gentle than traditional scaling, which is painful to the patient. Only for those who have sensitive teeth or gums is the approach suitable.
• Reduced Treatment Time: Air polishers can clean and polish teeth faster than traditional methods, ultimately leading to short and effective dental treatments.
• Better Stain Removal: The fine particles used in the air polishing can assist in removing the stubborn stains and biofilm, to leave the teeth cleaner and brighter.
• Minimized Risk of Damage:  As air polishing is less abrasive, it is less likely to damage the enamel or other sensitive tissues in the mouth than traditional scaling.
• Enhanced Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas: Interdental spaces and other hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned easily by air polishers, for a more comprehensive cleaning.

Components of An Air Polisher

The most significant thing to remember when using an air polisher is the knowledge of all the parts inside it. A standard air polisher usually has:

• Handpiece: The main device held by the dentist or hygienist, designed to be lightweight and ergonomic for ease of use.
• Nozzle: The powered tooth cleaning method directs the mixture of air, water, and powder to the tooth surface, enabling the precise targeting of the areas to be cleaned.
• Powder Chamber: Holds the abrasive powder, such as sodium bicarbonate or glycine, used in the polishing process.
• Air and Water Lines: Supply the necessary pressurized air and water to create the polishing spray.

Types of Air Polishing Powders

The effectiveness and appropriateness of the air polishing procedure are greatly dependent on the abrasive powder chosen. The most often used powders are:

• Sodium Bicarbonate: Ideal for removing surface stains and plaque on enamel surfaces. It has a salty taste and is not recommended for patients on low-sodium diets or with certain medical conditions.
• Glycine Powder: Amino acid-based and much less abrasive than sodium bicarbonate, making it suitable for subgingival cleaning and patients with sensitive teeth.
• Calcium Carbonate: Effective for stain removal but more abrasive, requiring careful use to avoid damaging tooth surfaces.
• Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate: Known for its desensitizing properties and ability to aid in remineralization, beneficial for patients with sensitivity issues.

The selection of powder depends on the oral health condition of the patient, the desired treatment goals, and any other medical conditions.

Clinical Applications

Air polishers can carry out a variety of tasks and have very many clinical uses, including:

• Supragingival Cleaning: Removing plaque and stains from the visible part of the teeth above the gum line.
• Subgingival Biofilm Removal: Using less abrasive powders like glycine to clean below the gum line, helping in the management of periodontal diseases.
• Preparation for Bonding Procedures: Cleaning the tooth surface before placing orthodontic brackets or restorative materials to ensure better adhesion.
• Implant Maintenance: Gently cleaning around dental implants to prevent peri-implantitis without damaging the implant surface.

Considerations and Precautions

Although offering many advantages, air polishing also requires specific elements and precautions to be taken into consideration:

• Patient Medical History: Assess for conditions like respiratory diseases, hypertension, or sodium-restricted diets that may contraindicate the use of specific powders.
• Soft Tissue Protection: Ensure proper technique to minimize soft tissue trauma, such as adjusting the nozzle angle and maintaining adequate distance from the gingiva.
• Powder Selection: Choose the appropriate powder based on the patient’s needs to prevent adverse reactions and achieve desired outcomes.
• Infection Control: Follow strict sterilization protocols for the handpiece and components to prevent cross-contamination.

Adhering to these considerations ensures the safe and effective use of air polishers in clinical practice.

Advancements in Air Polishing Technology

The rise of technology has resulted in the production of more efficient and convenient air polishers. Nowadays, devices are equipped with the following:

• Adjustable pressure settings to allow customization based on treatment needs.
• Ergonomic handpieces reduce operator fatigue.
• Enhanced powder delivery systems to minimize clogging and ensure consistent performance.
• Integration with ultrasonic scalers for seamless workflow and improved efficiency.

These innovations continue to refine the effectiveness of air polishing, making it an indispensable tool in modern dentistry.

Choosing the Right Air Polisher for Your Practice

Selecting an air polisher depends on various factors, including:

• The primary clinical applications you require.
• The type of powders compatible with the device.
• The ease of maintenance and sterilization.
• Patient comfort and procedural efficiency.

Analyze your requirements well and ensure a good fit by selecting the model by taking expert advice and reviewing the products on display at your dental office.

Visit Oak Bay Dental Clinic for Advanced Dental Care

At Oak Bay Dental Clinic, we are pleased to provide successful dental treatment, such as air polishing. Our experienced dentist team is ready to assist with routine cleaning, stain removal or specialized periodontal treatments. If you are looking for a dentist in Victoria who truly cares about your comfort and offers dental solutions, look no further.

Contact Oak Bay Dental Clinic to schedule an appointment.