[Clinical, Histological and Scanning Electron Microscopy Evaluation of the Prophy-Jet in Vivo and in Vitro]

Clinical, histologic and scanning electron microscopic study of the use of the Prophy-Jet. The Prophy-Jet (Cavitron-International) is used for the removal of gross stain and heavy plaque. In this study the plaque and stain removal capacities have been investigated in patients with a healthy and inflamed gingiva. The influence of the spray of cleaning powder (sodiumbicarbonate) on the gingiva has been studied in gingival biopsies of Beagle dog. With the use of a scanning electron microscope the dentine and cementum have been investigated after spraying during 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The clinical results show that the plaque and the stain are removed easily and significantly except for the deep interproximal regions where the handpiece tip cannot be used in a correct angulation to the tooth surface. All patients showed gingival desquamation which could last up to 3 days. After treatment several patients suffered from aphthous ulcers. The gingiva of the Prophy-Jet treated areas in the Beagle dog showed severe epithelial desquamation, even of the papillary connective tissue, which in certain areas, can lead to necrosis. A spray lasting for 30 seconds removed approximately 10 micrograms of dentine or cementum. From these results it can be concluded that the negative aspects of the use of the Prophy-Jet are very important. It should therefore be used with caution.