In the preparation of PRRs, this technique gives as good a result as conventional
methods. It was thought that cavities would be smaller with air abrasion but this has
not been realized practically.
In conclusion, air abrasion may be useful in preparation of small cavities with reduced
patient discomfort, when combined with acid etching to obtain a good bond with
adhesive materials, and when correctly and carefully used. However, the dust is a
practical problem.
9.12.2 Ozone therapy
Dental treatments are constantly evolving. One such innovation, ozone therapy
(healozone) has hit the media headlines, spiking much public interest. The technology
is available and costly devices for delivery of ozone for dental purposes exist, but as
yet the superiority of this modality over conventional treatment has not been proven
with properly conducted clinical trials.
The theory of the action of ozone is that it kills micro-organisms, by oxidizing their
cell walls to rupture their cytoplasmic membranes, that is, it is bactericidal. In
laboratories it has been shown that ozone can substantially reduce the numbers of
micro-organisms within carious dentine on short exposures of 10-20 s. However, the
clinical significance of this has not been established. It has been postulated that the
use of ozone together with a remineralizing regime of fluoride paste and rinse, oral
hygiene instruction, and dietary advice would be beneficial and that it would arrest
primary root caries to a greater extent than remineralizing regime alone. It has also
been suggested that ozone treatment can stabilize pit and fissure caries preventing
further deterioration. However, the authors will stay with more traditional methods of
caries control until proper controlled trials of reasonable duration (>4 years) have
been reported.
9.12.3 Lasers
The public perception of lasers in dentistry is that they can do remarkable things
painlessly, so obviously this appeals to a greater number of people. However, the
number of dentists offering lasers as an option in their practices is still small. The cost
of equipment is obviously a significant factor, but as with all new technologies it is
important that each dentist considers the proven clinical outcomes, that is, what the
recorded literature states regarding the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness. With lasers
this is further complicated by the fact that there are many different types of lasers,
with different uses and new types and applications being produced constantly.
Laser types and uses
- Carbon dioxide lasers Soft tissue incision/ablation Gingival troughing Aesthetic
contouring of gingivae Treatment of oral ulcers Fraenectomy and gingivectomy De-
epithelization of gingival tissue during periodontal regenerative procedures • Nd :
YAG Similar to above plus removal of incipient caries but because of the depth of
penetration there is a greater risk of collateral damage than with dioxide lasers. • Er :
YAG Caries removal Cavity preparation in both enamel and dentine Preparation of