Air polishing: comprehensive guide for dental professionals
As dentistry embraces minimally invasive, evidence-based care, the use of air polishing has become a game-changer for dental professionals. From enhancing patient comfort to improving clinical outcomes, air polishing offers more than just cosmetic appeal.
What is air polishing?
Air polishing involves a mixture of compressed air, water and fine abrasive powder delivered via a hand-piece to remove biofilm, extrinsic stains and deposits from tooth surfaces. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene+2digitalcommons.unl.edu+2 Originally designed for supragingival cleaning, modern systems can also address subgingival biofilm and peri-implant maintenance.
Clinical benefits beyond aesthetics
- Efficient biofilm and stain control: Air polishing removes extrinsic plaque and stains faster than traditional rubber-cup polishing, helping hygiene teams save time.
- Improved patient experience: Many patients describe the procedure as gentle and refreshing, supporting positive behaviour and long-term retention of recall visits.
- Subgingival and implant-safe options: With low-abrasive powders (e.g., glycine, erythritol) and advanced delivery tips, air polishing can be used safely for maintenance of periodontal pockets and implants.
- Reduced operator fatigue: Hygienists report less wrist strain and faster polishing when using air polishing systems compared with hand instrumentation or rubber-cup methods. Colgate Professional
Case examples & evidence
Research shows that glycine powder air polishing led to significant reductions in bleeding-on-probing and better patient comfort compared to traditional instrumentation in periodontal maintenance. A review found that air polishing devices were less abrasive on implants and restorative surfaces when properly applied.
Clinical top tips for dental teams
- Select the right powder for the case: Sodium bicarbonate is effective for supragingival stain removal but can be too abrasive for root surfaces or exposed dentin. Consider glycine or erythritol for more delicate areas.
- Use the correct nozzle angulation and tip: Proper angulation (e.g., 60- to 90-degrees) and high-volume evacuation minimise aerosol and tissue trauma.
- Integrate polishing into your biofilm management strategy: Use air polishing as a complement to scaling and root-planing, especially in patients with moderate periodontal disease or implants.
- Educate patients: Explain how it’s not just “a quick clean” but a therapeutic step in controlling biofilm, improving comfort and motivating better oral hygiene.
- Practice infection-control caution: Use eyewear, high-volume suction and appropriate PPE because air-polishing creates aerosols.
Indications and contraindications
Indications:
- Patients with heavy extrinsic stain or biofilm accumulation.
- Recall hygiene visits where patient comfort and efficiency matter.
- Maintenance for periodontal pockets up to ~5 mm with low-abrasive powder.
- Implant maintenance and peri-implantitis management in certain cases.
Contraindications / caution:
- Exposed root surfaces using high-abrasive powders can lead to dentin loss.
- Patients with respiratory compromise, sodium-restricted diets (if sodium-based powder used), or recent surgical sites.
- Always adapt technique and powder choice based on patient risk, restorative materials and clinical context.
The bigger picture: polishing as prevention of disease
While many patients see polishing as cosmetic, dental professionals recognise its role in biofilm disruption, minimising gingival inflammation, and enhancing hygiene outcomes. Air polishing supports early intervention and helps maintain oral health rather than only reacting to disease.
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