An Update on Air-Powder Polishing

Bacterial plaque is the principle cause of initiation of gingivitis and periodontitis. Removal of this bacterial plaque is essential for maintainence of healthy periodontium. The amount of plaque accumulation is dependent upon the degree of roughness of the tooth structure.  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.