title: Use of a continual sweep motion to compare air polishing devices, powders and exposure time on unexposed root cementum.
abstract: Low abrasive air polishing powders are a viable method for subgingival biofilm removal. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of air polishing using a standard tip on cementum following clinically recommended protocols. Forty-eight teeth were randomly divided into eight groups with six teeth per group. Teeth were treated using either a Hu-Friedy EMS or DENTSPLY Cavitron®air polishing device. One of three glycine powders (Air-flow 25 µm, Clinpro 45 μm, Clinpro+TCP 45 μm) or a sodium bicarbonate powder (NaHCO385 μm) was sprayed on cementum using a clinically relevant sweeping motion. Volume and depth of cementum removed after 5 and 90 s exposures were calculated. Surface texture was evaluated using SEMs taken following the last exposure. After 5 s exposures, neither unit nor powder had a substantial effect on volume loss or defect depth. After 90 s exposures, differences between powders existed only for the DENTSPLY unit (p < 0.0001). Pairwise comparisons for this unit revealed mean volume loss and maximum defect depth were greater for NaHCO385 μm than the glycine powders (p < 0.0001). The 90 s exposure produced greater mean volume loss and defect depth for all powders (p < 0.0001). SEM images revealed dentinal tubule exposure with all powders; however, exposed tubules were larger and more prevalent for NaHCO385 μm. Root surface loss was similar for glycine powders evaluated in this study. Differences in powder performance between units may be related to tip apertures and spray patterns. Additional research is needed to determine if cementum loss is greater than what occurs with conventional biofilm removal methods, such as curets and ultrasonic scalers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Dental Care, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, 9-372 Moos HST, 515 Delaware Street S.E., Minneapolis, USA.
authors.forename: Mandy L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Herr
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: DeLong
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Sciences, Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
authors.forename: Yuping
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lunos
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Dental Care, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, 9-372 Moos HST, 515 Delaware Street S.E., Minneapolis, USA. stolt001@umn.edu.
authors.forename: Jill L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Stoltenberg
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003775:Dental Polishing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005998:Glycine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011208:Powders / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011897:Random Allocation; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D011208:Powders; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; D005998:Glycine
keywords: Air polishing; Dental cementum; Glycine powders; Sodium bicarbonate powder; Standard tip