The use of air abrasion and glass ionomer cements

[sushantpatel_doc]

Microdentistry principles are based on the early control of and intervention in the effects of the caries process. Once a decision to treat a lesion has been made, a further understanding of the biomechanical functioning of the tooth in relation to anatomical structures is required. Preservation of these structures requires the development of skills to allow the preparation of minimally invasive cavity designs. This may involve learning to use magnification, air abrasion, caries detection dye, or a diagnostic laser. Autocure glass ionomer cements complement minimally invasive cavity designs. The preservation of healthy tooth structure using noninvasive treatment techniques or minimally invasive cavity designs is now one of the primary goals of modern operative dentistry.

        

[tirath]

When enamel, dentine and substances in caries lesions are exposed to (laser) light of a specific colour, fluorescence may be induced. This principle is at the basis of two caries diagnostic methods, DIAGNOdent and Quantitative Laser (Light-induced) Fluorescence (QLF). Only the DIAGNOdent is commercially available. Bacterial porphyrins evoke fluorescence when illuminated with red light and the intensity of the emitted light is related to the size of the caries lesion. Published research indicates that the DIAGNOdent is particularly suitable for detecting small bacteria containing caries lesions, and to monitor such lesions. QLF is based on the fluorescence decrease in demineralised enamel upon exposure to blue-violet (laser) light. The intensity of the emitted light is related to the amount of mineral loss in the caries lesion. Using QLF the mineral loss in caries lesions can be measured quantitatively. Like the DIAGNOdent, QLF is particularly suitable to monitor caries lesions.

        

[sushantpatel_doc]

So what is more cost effective and efficient…laser or air abrasion?

        

[sushantpatel_doc]

HYDRO-ABRASION DEVICE – Danville Materials

The PrepStart H2O hydro-abrasion unit sprays a conical jet of warm water around the abrasive stream to capture virtually all dust. Air-abrasion is now almost totally dust-free. The warm water, which further improves patient comfort, starts and stops instantly with air/abrasive flow. Utilizing the H2O, practitioners can treat patients without injections, treat most conservatively, and treat on diagnosis.

        

[sushantpatel_doc]

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/66/79601.htm
WebMD page providing an overview of restorative dentistry using air abrasion

        

[Author]

Posts