Comparative characteristics of the enamel surface of permanent teeth during air-water polishing (a pilot study)

Abstract

Nowadays, the use of air-water devices combined with abrasive components is one of the important steps in the prevention of caries and periodontal diseases. The success of this procedure largely depends on the composition of the abrasive powder, as well as on the size and shape of the particles. There is a need to find optimal components for air-water polishing that can effectively and safely remove both supragingival and subgingival plaque, as well as plaque around restorations and prosthetic constructions. Aim: comparative assessment of changes in surface roughness (Sa) of permanent tooth enamel after air-water polishing with particles of different sizes and shapes.
Materials and methods.
Enamel surface roughness was determined by profilometry on crown samples of 80 permanent teeth, randomly divided into 4 groups (n=20). All samples were subjected to air-water polishing with abrasive components according to the group. Group I used an erythritol-based powder — 14 µm Air flow Plus (EMS, Switzerland); Group II — sodium bicarbonate — 40 µm “Aero Profi Comfort” (Omega Dent, Russia); Group III — sodium bicarbonate (50–60 µm) and calcium carbonate (50–70 µm) “Flow-Cleans Profi” (TechnoDent, Russia); Group IV — glycine (25 µm) “Air-Cleans Perio” (VladMiVa, Russia). Scanning was performed before and after treatment in a selected field of study.
Results.
Data are presented as medians due to non-normal distribution. In Group I (Air flow Plus) the median increased from 152.5 to 164.5 nm; in Group II (Aero Profi Comfort) — from 163 to 173 nm; in Group III (FlowCleans Profi) — from 191.5 to 238.5 nm; in Group IV (AirCleans Perio) — decreased from 328.0 to 253.0 nm. No statistically significant differences were found (p>0.05).
Conclusion.
Erythritol granules with a small particle size of 14 µm showed a minimal tendency to increase the Sa roughness value, whereas the powder based on a combination of sodium bicarbonate (50–60 µm) and calcium carbonate (50–70 µm) contributed to the greatest increase. Glycine particles of 25 µm contributed to a decrease in roughness. Preliminary data do not allow final clinical recommendations to be made, but they provide a rationale for further research with a larger sample size to confirm or refute the observed trends.