One of the most important things you can do to keep your gums healthy is schedule regular dental cleanings (twice a year for most patients). Teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line through careful scraping with handheld instruments or ultrasonic tools. While this process is vital to your long-term oral health, for some patients, it can feel uncomfortable and time-consuming. That’s why we’re pleased to announce a new technology being implemented at Tooth Works – AIRFLOW. This new method reduces your time in the dental chair, with less discomfort.

Why do I need regular cleanings?

Your mouth naturally contains bacteria which reproduce on your teeth and gum tissue in a substance known as biofilm. By brushing and flossing, you can curtail biofilm growth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to biofilm buildup – also known as plaque – this can cause cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. Professional cleanings are an effective method of removing biofilm – and AIRFLOW therapy provides the most efficient biofilm management available.

What is AIRFLOW?

AIRFLOW is an advanced air polishing treatment that uses a combination of air, water, and specially formulated powders to disperse and eliminate biofilm. Using a small handheld device, your dental hygienist will administer a controlled, pressurized stream of fluid to your teeth and gums. As the mixture is applied, it removes surface stains, plaque, tartar, and bacterial or food deposits stuck in, around, and between the teeth. It can also be sprayed beneath the gum line to eradicate disease-causing bacteria without harming the gingival tissue.

There are many advantages to AIRFLOW therapy over traditional methods of dental cleaning, including:

• AIRFLOW is fast

Professional cleaning using traditional instrumentation takes an average of 30 – 60 seconds per tooth. With AIRFLOW, that time is reduced to 5 seconds. It can also help speed up other procedures. For example, when AIRFLOW is used prior to a scaling treatment, the entire procedure is completed an average of 8 to 12 minutes faster than without it. That means less time in the dentist’s chair for you!

• AIRFLOW is comfortable

Older air polishing treatments have had a reputation for being messy, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. But patients report AIRFLOW therapy is a far more pleasant experience. A soft, warm stream of water gently hits your gums and tooth surfaces, providing maximum effectiveness with minimal discomfort.

• AIRFLOW is versatile

It can often be difficult to efficiently clean hard-to-reach spots or delicate areas of the mouth. AIRFLOW is safe and effective on virtually any oral surface. In addition to tooth enamel and gum tissue, AIRFLOW can be used on orthodontia (braces/Invisalign buttons), implants, and other restorations.

• AIRFLOW promotes periodontal health

The powders used not only remove stains and biofilm, but they’re also specially formulated to inhibit bacterial growth in the future. Erythritol powder, used in AIRFLOW therapy, is minimally abrasive, meaning it is more gentle on gum tissue than coarser powders (which have been used in other air polishing treatments). In addition, erythritol inactivates bacteria to stop it from reproducing, which helps prevent the formation of gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.

Interested in AIRFLOW?

At Tooth Works Dentistry, we’re passionate about using the best technology to provide exceptional patient care. That’s why we’ve started using AIRFLOW therapy as part of our comprehensive treatment services. Whether you’re struggling with active gum disease or you’re ready to establish a periodontal maintenance plan, our hygienists will help get you on the road to lasting oral health.