What Is Airflow® Therapy?

One of the most important things you can do to keep your smile healthy is to schedule professional dental cleanings every six months. Although this procedure is vital to your long-term health, it can also be time-consuming and uncomfortable. Luckily, the best Solana Beach dentist uses a better and more efficient method – Airflow® therapy. 

What Is Airflow® Therapy and How Does It Work? 

Although it’s almost impossible to determine how many bacteria live in the mouth at any given time, estimates are around 20 billion with 500 to 650 species. These naturally occurring bacteria colonize the biofilm or plaque on the teeth and gum tissue. Although a solid at-home oral hygiene routine can help reduce plaque buildup, it’s not enough to eliminate it.  

For this reason, dental health experts recommend regular professional cleanings to remove plaque that contributes to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Traditional dental cleaning eliminates plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces along the gum line using handheld instruments or ultrasonic tools.  

Alternatively, airflowâ therapy is the most efficient plaque management available. This cutting-edge technology removes stubborn plaque and bacteria from every corner of your mouth using air, water, and specially formulated powders. Moreover, it uses a controlled and pressurized stream of fluid to get rid of surface stains, cavity-causing plaque, tartar, and food deposits on, around, and between teeth. 

What Are the Benefits of Airflow® Therapy? 

It Uses Natural Materials 

The Airflow® system uses a naturally occurring compound called Erythritol powder, which regulates bacteria and promotes bone health. Furthermore, the powders used in airflowâ therapy inhibit future bacterial growth by inactivating harmful bacteria. Aside from reducing your risk of gum inflammation, the erythritol air polishing powder helps you avoid a wide range of oral health issues, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis.  

It Saves Time  

It takes between 30 to 60 seconds on average to clean a tooth using the traditional professional cleaning method. Alternatively, Airflow® therapy reduces this time to five seconds. In addition, the Airflow® system speeds up various periodontal procedures, including a scaling treatment. You’ll spend less time in the dentist’s chair because Airflow® therapy allows the dentist to complete the entire procedure in around eight to 12 minutes. 

It's Painless 

Besides being messy, older air polishing methods can sometimes cause pain and discomfort. On the other hand, patients who’ve tried Airflow® therapy report a far more pleasant experience at the dentist. As the system’s soft, warm stream of water, air, and erythritol powder gently hits your gums and tooth surfaces, they disperse plaque from above and below the gum surface with maximum effectiveness and no discomfort.  

It's Safe 

It's also worth noting that Airflow® therapy’s erythritol powder is minimally abrasive. Unlike coarser powders like sodium bicarbonate, it doesn’t cause damage to the gum tissue. Since airflowâ therapy is safe for implants and the areas surrounding dental restorations, it helps preserve the implants while preventing mucositis and peri-implantitis.  

It's Versatile 

Cleaning the mouth’s hard-to-reach or delicate areas is often challenging for most hygienists. With airflowâ therapy, they can access any oral surface. This treatment allows them to efficiently clean the tooth enamel, gum tissue, orthodontia, implants, and other restorative devices.  

Do You Need to See a Solana Beach Dentist? 

At Inspire Smiles, we’re dedicated to caring for our patients using expert-level aesthetic skills and state-of-the-art technology in a clean and comfortable environment. If you’re ready for an elite experience at the dentist, contact us today to make an appointment.