Consultants’ Comments

• “Easy to access all areas and light weight – hand piece is nice.”
• “The patients seemed to be comfortable when the air-flow handpiece was used.”
• “The unit really seemed to do a nice job in removing the biofilm from subgingival areas.”
• “Works very nicely in furcation areas or interproximal areas of pockets that are difficult to successfully treat with piezo or hand scalers.”
• “Make smaller tips for easier insertion into the pockets, especially in the distal molar areas.”
• “Make unit less messy; need an assistant to suction.”

Description

The AIR-FLOW HANDY PERIO is a subgingival prophylaxis device for perio polishing and the removal of biofilm as deep as the base of the periodontal pocket without damage to the root cement. It consists of a PERIO-FLOW spray handpiece and single-use PERIO-FLOW nozzles. The AIR-FLOW HANDY PERIO connects directly to the dental unit with a connector specially designed for the turbine connection and then the water flow rate and compressed air supply pressure can be set according to the manual. The system uses AIR-FLOW powder PERIO that is added to a powder chamber and a single-use nozzle. Instructions for cleaning the chamber and tubes with the supplied cleaning needle are provided. Features include a flexible, single-use nozzle for patient comfort; more rapid than conventional hand instrumentation; no damage to root surface; easy access to all areas; and designed to efficiently remove biofilm without clogging. The kit contains AIR-FLOW HANDY PERIO unit (Midwest coupler or KaVo attachment); container of AIR-FLOW powder PERIO; six, AIR-FLOW handy PERIO Nozzles; and product instructions/marketing literature. AIR-FLOW HANDY PERIO was evaluated by nine consultants in 80 uses. It received an 86% rating.

Equipment Features

AIR-FLOW HANDY PERIO received good ratings for ease of setup and use. Consultants reported that tooth surfaces were free of stain and biofilm after use. The unit uses gentle air pressure, and patients were comfortable during and after use. The nozzle is thin and flexible and can reach into deep, narrow pockets that could not otherwise be polished. As with all powder devices, the unit generated some overspray and required the use of high-volume suction. Forty-four percent of consultants reported that AIR-FLOW HANDY PERIO was better than their current instrumentation. Fifty-six percent would switch to AIR-FLOW HANDY PERIO and 67% would recommend it.

Clinical Tips

• Use an assistant to help with suctioning.

• Have the patient wear eye protection and a full drape.