The use of a Novel Bioactive Glass in Air Polishing

Aims: To determine the abrasiveness of using a novel bioactive glass (BioMin™ F) in air polishing for subgingival root debridement by measuring dentine loss and compare this value to the reference powders. Furthermore, to confirm the tubular occlusion effect of air polishing with the bioactive glass using Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques. Material and Methods: Ivory derived from an elephant’s tusk was used as the study sample. A balled milled BioMin™ F powder (D90 = 87.9 μm), was used as the test powder; This choice was based on a previously performed pilot study [1]. This powder was compared to two reference powders, sodium bicarbonate and glycine. Each powder group constituted of six samples of ivory. The dentine lost was measured in μm using white light profilometry. Scanning electron microscopy was performed for all the tested powders, to evaluate particle shape, and to the study samples to assess the effect of the air abrasive/polishing procedure on dentinal tubules. Results: The depth of dentine removed (mean ± standard deviation) of the test group, air polishing with the bioactive glass, was 11.0 ± 1.05 μm, control group 1, air polishing with sodium bicarbonate, was 44.1 ± 0.77μm, and control group 2, air polishing with glycine, was 28.1 ± 1.87μm. The differences between the three groups were statistically significant. SEM images showed a partial tubular occlusion effect in the test group, and this was absent in both control groups. Conclusion: The novel bioactive glass, BioMin™ F, with ball milled particles 90% sized less than 87.9 μm, was significantly more conservative than sodium bicarbonate powder and glycine powder. There was evidence of partial tubular occlusion following bioactive glass air polishing; however, no tubular occlusion was evident in the samples treated with either sodium bicarbonate or glycine air polishing