Air Polishing Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering the techniques, components, powder types, and clinical considerations of air polishing based on the lecture notes.

Air Polishing

A dental hygiene technique that uses a pressurized stream of air, water, and fine powder to remove stains and plaque from teeth.

Sodium Bicarbonate

A coarse, high abrasion powder used for stain removal that was originally introduced in the $1970s$.

Glycine

A powder type used for subgingival cleaning that is characterized as being gentle on soft tissue.

Erythritol

A fine particle, less abrasive powder used primarily for biofilm disruption.

Calcium Carbonate

A powder characterized by medium abrasiveness used for general polishing.

Mechanism of Action

The use of a pressurized stream to disrupt plaque and stains.

Extrinsic Staining

Stains caused by substances such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco which are indications for air polishing.

Subgingival Cleaning

Cleaning performed beneath the gum line, specifically indicated for the use of Glycine powder.

Contraindications (Respiratory)

Medical conditions such as asthma and COPD that make a patient unsuitable for air polishing.

Sodium-restricted diets

A specific contraindication for the use of Sodium Bicarbonate powder during air polishing.

Aerosol generation

An infection control concern and disadvantage of air polishing involving the creation of a pressurized mist.

Infection Control Measures

Procedures including the use of PPE, high volume suction, and pre-procedural rinses to mitigate risks during air polishing.