Effect of Certain Abrasive Materials on Tooth Enamel

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to measure accurately the amt. of enamel removed by various prophylactic materials and technics; to study the effects of cleaning agent upon a tooth surface, both the luster measurements and microscopical examination; and to determine the rapidity with which the luster can be restored to the tooth surface with a polishing agent. A specially designed reflectometer for measuring luster changes was used. One of the technics investigated was the Airdent, which makes use of a stream of abrasive directed against the tooth surface by CO2 pressure. The enamel loss is much greater with the Airbrasive than with flour or fine pummice. This enamel loss, however, may not be of practical significance when the nozzle is not held too close to the tooth surface and the application time is not excessive. The luster of the tooth is greatly lowered by the Airbrasive, with only a very slight effect induced by flour or fine pummice. The type of surface produced by the Airbrasive is different from that produced by pummice, but in all cases the original luster can be restored within 10 sec. by use of the polishing agent employed in the study.

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