A jet of water removes pigmented deposits

An air-polishing unit removes discolouration and pigmented deposits from tooth surfaces.

Air-polishing units are part of professional tooth cleaning. They deliver a mixture of water and air to which a special cleaning powder of calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, or glycine powder, is added. This removes discolouration and pigmented deposits from the tooth surfaces – deposits that can be caused by smoking or by drinking tea or coffee.

Combined with the cleaning powders, the pressure of the water jet cleans the tooth surfaces. The jet also reaches difficult places such as deep periodontal pockets or deep interdental spaces that ordinary brushing cannot clean.

It matters that a gentle powder is used on these sensitive tissue surfaces.

Statutory health insurers do not normally cover the cost of professional tooth cleaning. Private insurers and supplementary policies cover it depending on the tariff. Using an air-polishing unit as part of professional cleaning does not normally involve any additional cost.

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

How do you get stains from coffee, tea or smoking off the teeth?

A powder-water jet device is used for that. It applies a water-air mixture with a special cleaning powder and thereby removes discolouration and pigment deposits from the tooth surfaces, of the kind caused by smoking or by drinking tea or coffee. Its use is part of professional tooth cleaning.

What is in the powder of a powder-water jet device?

A special cleaning powder of calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, or a glycine powder, is added to the water-air mixture. The pressure of the water jet thereby reaches difficult places as well, such as deep gum pockets or narrow spaces between the teeth. Where tissue surfaces are sensitive, a gentle powder is important.

Does health insurance pay for a professional tooth cleaning?

Statutory health insurers normally do not cover the cost of a professional tooth cleaning. Private health insurers and supplementary policies cover it depending on the tariff. Using a powder-water jet device as part of the tooth cleaning usually incurs no additional cost.