KCP AIR ABRASION

WHAT IS THE KCP AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

KCP - KINETIC CAVITY PREPARATION - A gentle new way to treat decay

It's a new instrument that can be used as an alternative to the drill in many procedures. A microscopically fine powder is carried to the tooth by a stream of air, gently spraying away decay. In a simple sense, you could say it works like a precise miniature sandblaster.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT?

Thanks to its precision and gentleness, the KCP allows us to treat decay at an earlier stage without as much removal of healthy tooth material, thereby helping to preserve the strength of the tooth. Teeth treated this way may be less likely to require crowns in the future. Smaller fillings are less susceptible to wear and may last longer.

The KCP system creates a cavity surface that is so ideal for use with tooth-colored (composite) fillings, we can place those fillings faster than ever before. In some instances, the KCP actually allows us to complete your child's treatment in fewer visits.

"The aspect of the KCP that many children appreciate most is its comfort."

WILL IT HURT?

The KCP system greatly reduces heat and vibration, two sources of discomfort traditionally associated with fillings. That's why the KCP is often used without anesthetics. With the KCP, we can often treat children without the two things they fear most-----the needle and the drill. But, since for some children the KCP may involve minor discomfort, it would be inaccurate to call it "painless".

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 popular whitening toothpastes. Only a tiny amount of this microscopically fine powder is actually used in each procedure.

WHAT CAN IT BE USED FOR?

Besides tooth-colored fillings, the KCP is very useful prior to placing sealants on a child's tooth. The KCP cleans the pits and fissures of the tooth prior to placing a sealant. This insures that there is absolutely no cavity in the tooth before we seal it. This cannot be said for other traditional ways of cleaning teeth before placing sealants.

WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE?

The KCP itself makes a blowing sound similar to an aerosol can being sprayed. Most of the noise a child will hear is from our evacuation (suction) system, which removes saliva, water and particles from the mouth.

ARE ANY PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY?

We will have your child wear protective glasses to prevent the particles from irritating their eyes. If your child is bothered by the small particles, we will sometimes use a rubber dam (raincoat) to isolate the teeth we are treating.

CAN THE KCP BE USED FOR ALL TYPES OF CAVITIES?

Not necessarily. Though the KCP will dramatically reduce our overall reliance on the drill, it is not appropriate for every part of every procedure. We will select only those cases that are correct for the type of cavity or procedure that your child needs.