Gingival Margin Damage During Dental Polishing by Inexperienced Operators
Author Information
Author(s): Yaneva Blagovesta, Shentov Petar, Bogoev Dimitar, Mutafchieva Maria, Atanasova-Vladimirova Stela, Dimitrov Kiril, Vladova Diyana
Primary Institution: Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv
Hypothesis
What is the impact of different polishing powders on gingival margin damage when used by inexperienced operators?
Conclusion
Air polishing is a safe method for periodontal therapy, even when performed by inexperienced operators, with erythritol-based powder causing the least damage.
Supporting Evidence
- All tested polishing methods caused damage limited to the superficial epithelial layers.
- The erythritol-based polishing powder demonstrated the least damage to the gingival margin.
- Calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate polishing powders caused comparable surface damage.
- Polishing brushes and pastes caused deeper lesions in the epithelium.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different polishing powders affect the gums when dental students use them. It found that using erythritol powder is the safest option.
Methodology
Five porcine models were polished using three different polishing powders and compared to healthy samples and samples polished with a brush and paste.
Limitations
The study did not consider factors such as polishing duration, nozzle distance, spray pattern, and pressure.
Participant Demographics
Undergraduate dental students in their fifth year of education.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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