Clinical Evaluation of the Prophy‐Jet^® as an Instrument for Routine Removal of Tooth Stain and Plaque

Abstract

The Prophy-Jet was evaluated for its effectiveness in removing plaque and stain from teeth and on its effects on the marginal gingiva. Using a randomized split-mouth design, half the mouth was treated with the Prophy-Jet and the contralateral side with a rubber cup and prophylaxis paste. The results indicated that the Prophy-Jet removes tooth plaque and stain as well as the rubber cup and prophylaxis paste method, and does so in less time. It was also found that there was some immediate soft tissue trauma following both treatment modalities, with a mean Trauma Index score of 0.23 not equal to 0.16 for the rubber cup and prophylaxis paste and 0.75 not equal to 0.37 for the Prophy-Jet. Within 6 days, the trauma index scores were not significantly different. Similar results were found for marginal gingival redness and bleeding on probing. The Prophy-Jet is an excellent alternative instrument for removal of tooth stain and dental plaque.

Effects of various chair-side surface treatment methods on dental restorative materials with respect to contact angles and surface roughness

“…Especially in the field of prosthetic dentistry, the control and removal of dental plaque deposits and subsequent polishing seems to be essential for the longevity of restorations. Air-polishing devices (APDs) have become an effective tool for plaque control and are applied routinely in professional dental cleaning [10][11][12][13][14] . However, adverse effects of APDs on dental restorative materials have been reported.…”

Comparison of two methods of dental prophylaxis: evaluation of arterial pressure and patient comfort in a clinical randomized controlled trial

“…Until 1980, the dentists performed dental prophylaxis using rubber cups and brushes with an abrasive low speed motor. With the emergence of a new method consisting of a spray comprised of powder sodium bicarbonate, water and air, dental prophylaxis became more rapid and efficient [1][2][3] . Sodium bicarbonate is a nontoxic, water soluble abrasive that is considered ideal for intra-oral use.…”

“…Sodium bicarbonate can so lead to substantial erosion or blunting of restorative materials, with the exception of ceramics, which seem to experience a less significant loss of substance 9,[12][13][14] . Still, there is epithelial erosion and exposure of underlying connective tissue in the soft tissues around the tooth 3,[15][16][17][18][19] .…”

Effects of an air-powder polishing system on orthodontically bracketed and banded teeth

“…2 Air-powder polishing systems use air, water, and sodium bicarbonate to deliver a controlled stream that propels specially processed sodium bicarbonate particles to the tooth surface. [3][4][5] It has been demonstrated that this increasingly popular technique requires less time and less physical exertion by the operator than polishing with a rubber cup and prophylaxis paste.…”

“…In addition, no heat is generated with this type of system. 2 Studies of the air-powder polishing method have examined its efficacy in stain removal 2 and its effects on soft tissue, 2,6-12 hard tissue, 5,13,14 and restorative materials. 3,15,16 William et al 15 found that air-powder polishing treatment imparted a nonuniformly roughened surface to enamel.…”