Air polishing with erythritol powder - In vitro effects on dentin loss

Abstract

Context: Low-abrasive polishing powders such as glycine (GLY) or erythritol (ERY) are used for subgingival air polishing. GLY was reported to possibly affect the dentin surface, while this is unclear for ERY.

Aims: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the substance loss from the dentin surface by air polishing with ERY at different settings for pressure (PR), distance (DI), and angulation of the spray jet to the surface (AJ).

Materials and methods: The in vitro testing was performed on smooth human root dentin surfaces. In 18 groups with 10 specimens each, ERY was applied with constant water supply for 5 s without moving the handpiece at the following settings: PR minimum (min), medium (med), and maximum (max); DI at 1, 3, and 5 mm; and 45° or 90° AJ. The substance loss was measured as defect depth (DD) using three-dimensional (3D)-laser profilometry. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction and α = 0.05 were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The DD was statistically significantly higher at a DI of 1 mm compared to a DI of 5 mm for the respective groups of the same PR and AJ (P < 0.05). For DI 1 mm, max PR, and AJ 90°, the maximum loss of substance amounted DD of 117 ± 43 μm. The minimal loss of substance occurred at minimal PR, 45° AJ, and a DI of 5 mm (15 μm × 20 μm). DD related directly with the parameters PR and AJ and inversely with DI. The highest influence on DD was proven for DI.

Conclusions: Slight loss of dentin might occur during air polishing with ERY depending on DI, PR and AJ. The setting influences the amount of dentin loss.

Keywords: Air polishing; dentin; erythritol; low-abrasive polishing powder; substance loss.

Figure 1

Experimental setup: Handpiece clamped in an adjustable, fixed apparatus with 45° and 90° angulation

Figure 2

The typical shape of the defect at an angulation of 45° or 90° between the jet and the surface. It also demonstrates where the distances were adjusted and the maximum defect depths measured longitudinally and transversely

Figure 3

Maximum defect depths (mm) by different distances of 1–5 mm, the angulations of the jet of 45° or 90°, and the pressure settings of minimal, medium, and maximum are shown