Dental Air Polishing: A Practical Guide for Dentists and Dental Hygienists

Air polishing has become an increasingly popular part of professional dental hygiene and prophylaxis. For dentists and dental hygienists considering introducing an air polisher into their practice, there are several important questions to consider before choosing a system.

What does a dental air polisher actually do? How is air polishing different from traditional polishing? Which powders can be used? And does a practice need to invest in a large standalone system to offer air polishing?

In this guide, we answer some of the common questions dental professionals ask about dental air polishing equipment.

What Is a Dental Air Polisher?

A dental air polisher uses a controlled combination of compressed air, water and prophylaxis powder delivered through a specialised handpiece.

The resulting spray can be used to remove biofilm, plaque and extrinsic surface staining from selected tooth surfaces.

Common staining encountered in dental practices includes staining associated with:

• Tea

• Coffee

• Red wine

• Tobacco

• Food and drink

• General external discolouration

Air polishing can also help clinicians access areas that may be more difficult to reach using conventional polishing techniques.

Is Air Polishing the Same as AIRFLOW?

This is one of the most common areas of confusion.

Air polishing is the dental cleaning technique.

AIRFLOW® is a specific branded air-polishing technology from EMS.

There are therefore numerous professional dental air polishing systems available from different manufacturers.

When comparing systems, dental professionals should consider the intended clinical applications, compatible powders, connection type, maintenance requirements and manufacturer's instructions rather than relying solely on the terminology used to describe the equipment.

Does Air Polishing Replace Scaling?

Not necessarily.

Air polishing and dental scaling perform different functions.

Air polishing

Air polishing is particularly useful for removing biofilm, soft deposits and external surface staining.

Scaling

Ultrasonic and hand instrumentation are used when removal of calculus and other hard deposits is required.

Air polishing should therefore be considered part of the clinician's available prophylaxis toolkit rather than automatically being considered a replacement for every traditional scaling procedure.

The appropriate treatment should always be determined following clinical assessment.

Air Polishing vs Traditional Prophy Polishing

Traditional dental polishing normally involves a rotating prophylaxis cup or brush combined with polishing paste.

An air polisher instead projects a controlled mixture of air, water and fine powder particles onto the treatment area.

For the clinician, one significant advantage is the ability to efficiently treat complex surfaces and areas that can be difficult to access using a conventional rotating cup.

Air polishing can therefore be particularly useful where efficient removal of widespread external staining or biofilm is required.

What Types of Air Polishing Powder Are Available?

Powder selection is an important consideration when using any dental air polishing system.

Common air-polishing powders include:

Sodium Bicarbonate Powder

Sodium bicarbonate has traditionally been used for supragingival air polishing and can be particularly effective for removing heavier external staining.

Glycine Powder

Glycine powders have a much smaller particle size and may be specified for different clinical applications depending on the equipment and manufacturer's instructions.

Erythritol Powder

Erythritol is another fine powder used with compatible modern air-polishing systems.

It is essential to check both the air polisher manufacturer's instructions and the powder manufacturer's instructions before use.

Not every powder is suitable for every air polishing unit or every clinical application.

Can Air Polishing Remove Coffee, Tea and Tobacco Stains?

Removing external staining is one of the best-known applications of dental air polishing.

The combination of air, water and powder can be highly effective at removing surface staining associated with coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco.

However, it is important to distinguish stain removal from tooth whitening.

Air polishing removes external deposits and staining. It does not chemically alter the intrinsic colour of the tooth in the way professional tooth-whitening treatments can.

For patients with substantial external staining, the visual improvement after professional cleaning can nevertheless be significant.

Is Air Polishing Useful for Biofilm Removal?

Yes. Biofilm management is an increasingly important reason dental professionals are interested in air polishing.

The air/powder/water stream allows clinicians to target biofilm across tooth surfaces and around areas that can be challenging to clean effectively.

The exact technique, powder and equipment used should always be selected according to the patient's clinical requirements and the manufacturer's instructions.

Can Air Polishers Be Used Around Implants, Restorations and Orthodontic Appliances?

This requires greater care.

Different restorative materials, implant surfaces and orthodontic appliances can have different requirements, and powder abrasiveness varies considerably.

Clinicians should not assume that because a powder is suitable for natural enamel it is automatically suitable for every restorative or implant surface.

Always consult the air polisher and powder manufacturer's clinical instructions for the intended surface and application.

Is Air Polishing Suitable for Sensitive Teeth?

Patient comfort is one reason many dental professionals investigate air polishing.

The experience can be different from conventional mechanical polishing and scaling because there is no rotating polishing cup contacting the tooth during the air-polishing stage.

However, sensitivity varies between patients and depends on factors including exposed dentine, periodontal condition, water temperature, powder, pressure and technique.

Patient suitability should therefore be assessed individually.

What Should a Dental Practice Look for When Buying an Air Polisher?

There is more to choosing an air polisher than simply comparing purchase prices.

1. Connection Type

Check that the air polisher is compatible with the dental unit or coupling used in your surgery.

2. Powder Compatibility

Determine which prophylaxis powders are approved for the unit and whether they suit the procedures your clinicians intend to provide.

3. Handpiece Design

A lightweight, ergonomic handpiece can be particularly important for hygienists performing multiple procedures throughout the day.

4. Powder Chamber

Consider how easily the powder chamber can be filled, cleaned and maintained.

5. Nozzle Design

The nozzle influences access, visibility and control during treatment.

6. Maintenance

Check cleaning requirements, replacement parts and availability of technical support.

7. Running Costs

Purchase price is only part of the calculation.

Practices should also consider powder consumption, replacement nozzles, seals, servicing and other consumables when comparing equipment.

Do You Need a Large Standalone Air Polishing System?

Not necessarily.

For practices wanting to introduce professional air polishing without investing in a larger standalone prophylaxis system, a compact handpiece-based air polisher can provide an attractive alternative.

This can be particularly useful for practices where clinicians primarily want air polishing for routine prophylaxis and stain removal.

The right solution depends on treatment volume, intended clinical applications, existing dental equipment and budget.

MK-dent PR1011K PROPHY LINE Air Polisher

The MK-dent PR1011K PROPHY LINE is a professional dental air polishing handpiece designed for prophylaxis applications.

For practices considering an air polisher, the PROPHY LINE provides a compact solution from an established dental handpiece manufacturer without necessarily requiring investment in a large standalone polishing system.

It can be particularly interesting for:

• Dental hygienists

• General dental practices

• Preventative dentistry

• Professional prophylaxis

• Plaque and biofilm management

• External stain removal

Is an Air Polisher Worth Adding to a Dental Practice?

For practices regularly treating patients with external staining and biofilm, air polishing can be a useful addition to the hygiene surgery.

The decision should ultimately be based on clinical requirements, treatment volume, equipment compatibility and ongoing running costs.

A compact dental air polisher may provide a relatively straightforward way for practices to introduce air polishing or add another air-polishing handpiece without committing to a substantially larger equipment system.

Looking for a Dental Air Polisher?

Diamed Engineering supplies professional dental equipment and can help practices identify suitable equipment for their existing dental units.

If you're considering the MK-dent PR1011K PROPHY LINE Air Polisher or would like advice regarding compatibility with your dental unit, contact Diamed Engineering for further information.

Product: MK-dent PR1011K PROPHY LINECategory: Dental Air PolisherSuitable for: Professional dental prophylaxis and air polishing