Air polishing insert in
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Air polishing is an alternative, non-contact,
method of polishing teeth using a polishing
cup and paste. It requires a special ultrasonic
unit (e.g. CaviJet ™: Dentsply) that allows
use of this insert in the handpiece.
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Air polishing uses medical-grade sodium bicarbonate and water
in a jet of compressed air to "sandblast" the surface
of the enamel smooth. Examples include the Prophy-Jet®
and Cavitron Jet® (Dentsply Ltd.). The nozzle is held
3 to 5 mm from the tooth, centred on the middle third of the
tooth. Use at 60° to the long axis of the root. Do not
direct into the gingival sulcus.
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Air polisher in
use |
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Advantages
- There is no physical contact with the tooth, therefore thermal
injury is of no concern.
- It is ideally suited for teeth separated by wide diastemata
and considerable in shape and size.
- Particularly good for cats where teeth are so small that standard
cups can create gingival damage.
- They are very efficient at removing stains from teeth.
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Disadvantages
- Cannot point spray directly into the sulcus therefore
subgingival polishing is not recommended. This means that
a polishing cup is still required subgingivally.
- Air polishing generates aerosol of micro-organisms and
powder - therefore personal protection (mask and eyewear)
is very important.
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Mask and eye protection |
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