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Treating decay A gentler way...
Our office recently added the Microprep air abrasion cavity preparation system, an exciting new advance in dentistry. We hope the following information will help you better understand this instrument and its use.

What is the Microprep?
It's a new instrument that can be used as an alternative to the drill in some procedures. Minute particles almost too small to be seen with the naked eye are carried to the tooth by a stream of air, gently and precisely spraying away decay.

What are the benefits of the Microprep?
Thanks to its precision and gentleness, the Microprep allows us to treat decay at an earlier stage without as much removal of healthy tooth structure. Teeth treated this way may be less likely to require large fillings or crowns in the future. Smaller fillings are less susceptible to wear and may last longer, and are more comfortable immediately after the procedure.
The Microprep system creates a cavity surface that is ideal for tooth-colored (composite resin) fillings, and it helps us place those fillings faster than before. In many cases, the Microprep actually allows us to complete treatment in fewer visits.

Will it hurt?
One benefit of the Microprep that many patients like is its comfort. The Microprep system reduces heat and vibration, two major sources of discomfort traditionally associated with fillings. That's why the Microprep can often be used without anesthetics such as xylocaine. This enhances our ability to treat children without the two things they fear the most - the needle and the drill. Most patients report the Microprep treatment feels similar to air being blown across the tooth.

Is it safe?
Absolutely. The tiny particles we use are alpha alumina, a pure biocompatible substance long used in medicine and food. In fact, it is a prime ingredient in several whitening toothpastes. Only a small amount is actually used in each procedure and most of it is immediately removed by our evacuation system. Laboratory tests show that patients would have to undergo about 28 typical 20-30 second Microprep procedures in order to inhale enough alpha alumina to equal the weight of one grain of table salt! This amount is below federal safety limits.

What can the Microprep be used for?
Besides the composite resin fillings, the Microprep is very useful in a number of esthetic veneers or fracture repairs. It also allows us to apply preventative sealants in a matter of seconds, well within the attention span of most youngsters.

What does the Microprep sound like?
The most noticeable sound a patient will hear is the evacuation unit which removes particles from the mouth. The Microprep itself makes a blowing sound similar to the air syringe we use to dry teeth. Most people find it preferable to the whine of the dental drill.


Are all patients treated with the Microprep?
Not necessarily. Though the Microprep is a wonderful instrument, it is not appropriate for every part of every procedure. For example, we will continue to use the drill to remove silver (amalgam) fillings and for crown preparations. Please ask us about the role the Microprep might play in your child's treatment.
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What is tooth whitening?   /   How do I use the gel?   /   How long does the whitening last?  
My teeth have tetracycline stains, can I still whiten my teeth? 
What are some of the side effects of whitening?  
Do the over the counter whitening products I see work the same?  
Do I have any options other than wearing a tray at night?

What is tooth whitening?
Tooth Whitening has also been referred to as bleaching, although this is somewhat of a misnomer. The whitening gel is made of a peroxide compound rather than a chlorine bleach. At the first visit an impression is taken of each arch to be whitened. These impressions are then turned into small, clear, soft, plastic trays into which the whitening gel is dispensed by the patient. A small amount of the gel is placed into the built-in reservoirs in the tray and then the tray is worn for at least 4 hours, usually at night while the patient is sleeping.


How do I use the gel?
Usually most patients will use the gel every night for about 2 weeks. This will of course depend on the initial shade of that persons teeth and the desired result. An improvement can be seen in as short as a couple days with the at home whitening procedure, and tend to plateau after about 2 weeks. It is possible to continue to whiten for more than 2 weeks, but as teeth reach a certain shade it will take more time with the solution before any improvements are seen.


How long does the whitening last?
The length of time that teeth remain at their lighter shade is dependent upon many factors. If a person smokes, or drinks a lot of coffee, tea, or dark sodas, teeth will begin to darken earlier. Over time the teeth will slowly begin to darken just from a regular diet. Usually, doing a touch-up of a couple nights every 6 months is adequate to maintain the lighter shade.


My teeth have tetracycline stains, can I still whiten my teeth?
People with teeth stained by tetracycline may see some improvement in their teeth, but in most situations it is impossible to achieve a uniform result. Often the teeth will lighten to a certain extent, but the gray band will still be present, depending upon the extent of the staining at the start. Usually the best way to improve teeth stained by tetracycline is with esthetic restorative procedures.
           

What are some of the side effects of whitening?
Whitening hasn’t been shown to produce any systemic side effect, but there may be some minor local side effects. Some people may find that after using the gel the teeth being lightened may have an increased sensitivity to cold liquids and air. Often this can be remedied by using a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, or by using the whitening gel every-other day for a longer period of time. Since the gel does contain a higher concentration of peroxide it can irritate the gums if left for an extended period of time. After the tray has been filled with the gel it is recommended that the excess is removed to prevent it from resting on the gums.


Do the over the counter whitening products work the same?
There are a large variety of over the counter products to help whiten teeth. Many of these may contain the same peroxide used in the gel given out with the whitening kits. However, these products do not contain the same concentrations as the whitening gel dispensed by the dentist. The delivery method is often different and sometimes less effective. Most whitening toothpastes are quickly washed off the teeth by saliva, and many other products don’t have the ability to release a peroxide gel over a period of time.


Do I have any options other than wearing the tray at night?
Some people prefer to wear the tray with the gel during the day, or while at work. This usually doesn’t adversely affect the procedure and is generally tolerable since the tray is clear, and is thin enough not to impede a person’s speech. There is also a procedure now available to whiten teeth at in office appointments. Teeth can be whitened with a couple 30 minute in office appointments using a higher concentration gel and a special blue curing light.
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