High-quality plaque control can prevent and control gum problems and tooth decay. Plaque control can be achieved mechanically or chemically by self care or professionally by dentists. The professional treatment is carried out by means of small rotating brushes or rubber cups, scalers, curettes or ultrasonic devices. Because this work is labour- intensive and time-consuming, new methods have constantly been sought for a more effective treatment which is both harmless and comfortable for the patient. The Air Polishing system was thus introduced to provide an alternative method of stain and plaque removal.
Air polishing system uses a device that emits a pressurised jet of air, water and sodium bicarbonate powder onto the surfaces of the teeth. This jet will remove surface stains, plaque and other soft deposits like food particles trapped in between teeth. Air Polishing is firmly established as an equally safe and, on occasion, superior alternative to traditional methods for removal of tooth stain and dental plaque and it is widely utilized and accepted by dental professionals as a conventional polishing system.
However there are some contra indications to the use of air polishing as follows:
With the advent of laser technology and its growing utilization in dentistry, an additional therapeutic option is available for the treatment of pain due to sensitive teeth. The laser, by interacting with the tissue, causes the physiological obliteration of the dentinal tubules, thus reducing sensitivity and pain. The diode laser has been reported to have immediate analgesic effect in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.
Soft tissue lasers are being used for oral surgical procedures as dentistry is progressing towards being minimally invasive and painless. Laser treatment is more comfortable than treatment using conventional instruments. The gum tissue can be removed without bleeding and swelling because the light beam seals blood vessels and nerve endings. This therapy provides bacterial decontamination and stimulates healing in the gum tissue and bone that surrounds the teeth. A variety of laser types have evolved with dental use potential.
Benefits associated with laser dentistry
Laser teeth-whitening system involves an in-office bleaching system wherein a translucent bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and a laser light is used to activate the gel crystals. The activated crystals absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. This is the more expensive of the whitening procedures available, but also the quickest one. While it takes weeks before the results from most at- home whitening systems are evident, this is not the case with laser teeth-whitening treatment.
The results are very noticeable and teeth can be up to five or six shades lighter, immediately after the procedure. The laser teeth whitening process begins with a minor cleaning and removal of any plaque along the gum line. Once this has been accomplished, a peroxide based gel is applied to the teeth. This gel contains a professional strength formula that ensures the laser accomplishes the maximum possible amount of teeth whitening. Next, a special light is used to activate the gel. The length of time needed depends on the degree of discolouration you have but usually one visit is all it takes to get a bright smile.
Incorporation of ozone in dental clinic set-ups would eradicate the feeling of pain during dental treatment and also cut off the treatment time, significantly. Ozone is an unstable gas and it releases nascent oxygen to kill bacteria, fungi, inactivate viruses and controls hemorrhages.
