My team and I strive to offer thorough care with an emphasis on prevention. The older I get, the more I believe this to be the primary role we serve in helping each of you. To do this, we are constantly reading and researching the most up to date and proven ways to assist you. Starting later this year, your cleaning appointment may look a little different. We will be implementing the use of an air polishing device as an element of preventative maintenance.
What is an air polisher?
Air polishing is an advanced cleaning device that uses a pressurized mix of air, water and a fine powder to remove surface stain, dental plaque and oral biofilm. It does not completely eliminate the use of hand instruments to remove more tenacious plaque known as calculus but it should severely reduce the amount of ‘scraping’ a patient experiences during his/her cleaning. This is advantageous because it reduces the sensitivity that some experience and causes less trauma to the oral tissues.
Air polishing is not a novel concept to dentistry. The first air polishers hit the dental market way back in the 1970s, a very good decade I might add!! Air polishing can reduce your time in the dental chair, will more effectively remove surface stain and it reduces operator hand fatigue which is a problem that plagues the dental profession, especially the dental hygienist. The powder originally used was sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which was effective but like traditional prophy cup polishing can lead to erosion of certain tooth surfaces over time. Advancements in powder particle size and efficacy have improved over the decades. Today erythritol and glycine powders are most commonly used.
One patient described her air polishing experience like going to a touchless car wash. Instead of the pressure and vibration commonly felt from the traditional prophy cup polishing at the end of your dental cleaning, air polishing is a light, fizzy mist. This improved cleaning method allows us to reach surfaces untouchable by traditional polishing techniques. In fact, air polishing is the new gold standard for cleaning around dental implants.
This photo was taken prior to the use of the airpolisher. The patient’s teeth have been ‘disclosed’ using a solution that sticks to dental plaque or biofilm. The different colors of pink represent the age of the plaque.
This photo was taken after the use of the airpolisher. Patients report that the plaque and stain removal leave their teeth feeling both cleaner and whiter. The air polisher is more effective at stain removal from foods and beverages than our traditional cleaning methods.
Why are we making this change?
Air polishing DOES NOT remove the need for the use of hand instruments or the Cavitron but it can decrease the amount of ‘scraping’ that you experience during your regular cleaning appointments. We are making this transition in your care to stay on top of the best methods to optimize your oral health.
One of the cornerstones of the care we provide is there is no ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL’ approach to care. Air polishing may not be indicated for some patients. Your hygienist will assess your oral condition and establish a plan the best suits your needs.
As always, we are immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!
Sincerely,
