If you’ve heard about ProphyJet air polishing systems at your dental office, you might be wondering what makes this cleaning method different from traditional dental cleanings. This advanced technology is changing how dental hygienists approach preventive care, offering patients a more comfortable and efficient cleaning experience. At Dental Excellence of Green, Dr. Matthew Croston DDS and his team utilize this innovative system as part of their comprehensive hygiene services.
What makes ProphyJet different from traditional polishing equipment?
Unlike traditional rubber cup polishing methods, the ProphyJet air polishing prophylaxis system combines water, compressed air, and fine powder particles to remove dental plaque, surface stains, and soft deposits from your teeth. This tooth-polishing approach reaches areas that conventional methods sometimes miss, including deep grooves, occlusal surfaces, and areas below the gumline. The result is superior stain removal in less time, meaning you spend less time in the dental chair during your dental checkup.
Traditional polishing equipment typically uses a rubber cup with prophylactic paste and a disposable prophy angle, which can be effective but may not reach all areas efficiently. The ProphyJet system’s high-pressure stream allows dental hygienists to target difficult prophy areas with precision, making it particularly valuable for plaque removal in hard-to-reach spaces.
Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that while air polishing may cause slightly more immediate gum irritation than traditional methods, these effects are temporary and disappear within seven days. The technology is especially valuable for patients with orthodontic brackets, orthodontic retainers, dental appliances such as night guards, dental restorations, veneer margins, or heavy surface stains that are difficult to remove with standard techniques.
Is ProphyJet Safe for your teeth and gums?
One common concern is whether air polishing removes too much tooth enamel during the dental cleaning process. Studies published in dental journals confirm that most air polishing systems remove less enamel than conventional prophylactic pastes when used properly by trained dental hygienists. This makes the dental prophy with ProphyJet a safe option for regular prophylaxis dental cleaning, and periodontal maintenance.
The system is particularly effective for patients with gum disease, periodontal pockets, or those who need more frequent dental cleanings. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42.2% of adults aged 30 and older have periodontal disease. Having access to efficient cleaning methods like ProphyJet helps dental professionals deliver thorough preventive dentistry while maintaining your comfort and gum health.
For patients undergoing periodontal treatment or scaling and root planing, the ProphyJet complements deep cleaning by effectively removing tartar buildup and addressing concerns about gum recession. While traditional hand instruments like metal scalers and ultrasonic scalers remain essential for scaling tool procedures, the air polishing system adds another dimension to comprehensive dental hygiene care.
Who benefits most from ProphyJet technology?
Several patient groups experience particularly impressive results:
Patients with Dental Restorations: Those with dental fillings, same-day crowns, dental implants, or dentures benefit from gentle yet effective cleaning that won’t damage restorations.
Orthodontic Patients: Individuals with orthodontic brackets, orthodontic retainers, or other dental appliances find that ProphyJet reaches areas around appliances that traditional methods struggle to clean.
Stain-Prone Individuals: The system excels at removing stubborn coffee, tea, and tobacco stains that accumulate on tooth surfaces.
Periodontal Disease Patients: Those with periodontal disease, gum pockets, or receding gums who require periodontal therapy benefit from thorough plaque removal to support bone tissue health.
Patients with Dental Anxiety: Because ProphyJet typically requires less chair time and is often more comfortable than prolonged rubber-cup polishing, it’s usually preferred by patients experiencing dental anxiety during dental exams.
Your dental hygienist at Dental Excellence of Green can determine if ProphyJet is right for your specific needs during regular hygiene services, which may also include dental X-rays, fluoride treatments, and a visual exam to assess overall dental health.
Understanding the Complete Dental Cleaning Process
A comprehensive teeth evaluation at Dental Excellence of Green involves multiple components beyond just ProphyJet cleaning. The dental hygienist performs periodontal or gum charting to measure pocket depths and assess gum recession; uses AI-driven technology for advanced dental X-rays that evaluate bone tissue; employs Spectra caries evaluation to identify early tooth decay; and provides oral hygiene tips and education tailored to your needs.
For patients with advanced periodontal disease or significant tartar buildup, your hygienist may recommend scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning procedure that goes beyond routine prophylaxis. This periodontal treatment may require local anesthesia and focuses on removing plaque from below the gumline to promote gum health and prevent bone tissue loss.
Insurance Coverage and Treatment Planning
Most dental insurance companies cover routine dental cleanings as part of preventive dentistry services. During your visit to the dental office, the team can review your dental insurance benefits and explain coverage. For patients requiring periodontal maintenance or periodontal therapy beyond standard cleanings, coverage may vary depending on your specific dental insurance plan.
The dental community increasingly recognizes the value of advanced cleaning technologies like ProphyJet in preventing oral cancer risk factors and maintaining overall dental health. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of tooth decay, gum disease, and other concerns that could lead to more complex treatments, such as tooth extractions, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, or hard tissue grafting, if left untreated.
Experience Advanced Dental Care
ProphyJet technology represents a significant advancement in dental hygiene, offering patients cleaner teeth with less discomfort and shorter appointment times. The system’s ability to remove stubborn stains and reach difficult areas makes it an excellent choice for maintaining optimal oral health. Combined with other state-of-the-art technologies at Dental Excellence of Green—including AI X-rays, Cerec same-day crowns, dental implants, laser filling procedures, and IV sedation for complex surgeries—patients receive comprehensive care that prioritizes both comfort and results.
Whether you need routine prophylaxis dental cleaning, periodontal maintenance, or specialized services, the practice’s commitment to advanced technology and patient education ensures you receive the highest standard of care.
Ready to experience the benefits of advanced dental cleaning technology? Contact Dental Excellence of Green at 330-896-5770 or visit dentistofgreen.com to schedule your next hygiene appointment and discover how ProphyJet can improve your dental prophy experience. Located conveniently near the Massillon Rd exit off I-77, the practice serves patients from Green, Uniontown, Manchester, Coventry, and Barberton with comprehensive preventive dentistry and restorative care.
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