Periodontics and Periodontology Commons^™

Etiology Of Noncarious Cervical Lesions, Caren M. Barnes

College of Dentistry: Faculty Publications

As the number of older adults in the United States continues to grow, this change in patient demographics will profoundly affect the practice of dental hygiene. Not only are there more older adults, but they are also retaining more of their natural teeth than ever before. The risk of alveolar bone loss; gingival recession, which can lead to exposed cervical and root areas of the teeth; and tooth wear all increase with age. The confluence of these factors raises the risk of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs).

The prevalence of NCCLs is growing, largely due to the rising numbers of older …

Shining A New Light On Selective Polishing, Caren M. Barnes

College of Dentistry: Faculty Publications

The era of selective polishing is over. Polishing is an integral procedure provided by dental hygienists. Patients look forward to the resultant smooth, clean feeling, and dental hygienists must ensure that all patients are polished according to their individual needs—ensuring the safety of their teeth and restorations.

The Evolution Of Prophy Paste, Caren M. Barnes

College of Dentistry: Faculty Publications

Dental hygienists have many products to choose from when deciding which prophy paste is best for each patient. To date, the evidence supporting prophy pastes formulated to remineralize enamel or eliminate dentinal hypersensitivity is somewhat unclear. Most of the research has been conducted in vitro among environments that do not accurately simulate clinical conditions. Additional clinical research performed in vivo is needed to provide the evidence base necessary for effective clinical decision making.

An In-Depth Look At Air Polishing, Caren M. Barnes

College of Dentistry: Faculty Publications

Air polishing has been available for four decades, however, the concept is based on a technology invented by Dr. Robert Black in 1945. Dr. Black invented the Air Dent, a device that used compressed air, water, and a highly abrasive powder to eliminate pain from cavity preparation, making anesthesia unnecessary. The Air Dent had numerous problems that could not be overcome, but Dr. Black never gave up on his idea. The technology he invented became the basis of air polishing and was first marketed in 1976. By the late 1970s, air polishing was readily available.

Air polishing represents the most …

Polishing Esthetic Restorative Materiai, Caren M. Barnes

College of Dentistry: Faculty Publications

When esthetic dental restorations are encountered during charting, they should be included in the treatment plan for the specific polishing procedures that are required. If the brand and type of esthetic restoration are known through the patient chart, the polishing procedures and products used should be those recommended by the manufacturer. If not possible, alternative polishing procedures should be used. A cleaning agent containing feldspar and rubber polishing cup can be used on all esthetic restorative materials with no chance of damage to the surface characterization.

The principles for polishing esthetic restorations are the same as for natural teeth. If …

An In Vitro Evaluation Of Commercially Available Disposable Prophylaxis Angles, Caren M. Barnes, Lisa S. Fleming, Carl M. Russell

College of Dentistry: Faculty Publications

Although a number of manufacturers are marketing disposable prophylaxis angles, no literature exists regarding the mechanical efficacy and efficiency of these products. It was the purpose of this in vitro evaluation to compare and evaluate five brands of commercially available disposable prophylaxis angles for vibration, noise, heat rise, and torque. Random samples of each brand of disposable prophylaxis angle were utilized. Vibration was measured with a height gauge and running motor; noise was measured with a sound meter and heat rise was measured from 68°F on the head and body of the disposable prophylaxis angles, and torque required to destroy …