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Air polisher handpiece

Also called: air polishing, air-powder polisher, jet polisher

A handpiece that sprays air, water and fine powder to remove stain and biofilm.

An air polisher mixes air, water and a fine powder into a spray that cleans stain and biofilm off teeth. Low-abrasive powders such as glycine or erythritol are gentle enough for roots and implants; more abrasive powders are used only above the gumline. See the machines section for the unit itself.

How to spot it

  • A handpiece with an angled nozzle and a small powder chamber, connected to a unit or to the air line.

What it is used for

  • Stain and biofilm removal; with the right powder, cleaning around implants.

Safety and care

  • Semicritical item (it touches the inside of the mouth): clean it, package it and heat-sterilize it after every patient.
  • Makes heavy aerosol: use high-volume evacuation, protective eyewear for the patient and full PPE.
  • Sodium bicarbonate powder is avoided for patients on sodium-restricted diets and with some medical conditions; the clinician decides.

Related

Sources: Boyd LD, Mallonee LF, Wyche CJ. Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, 14th ed. Jones & Bartlett, 2024, Gehrig JS, Shin DE. Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation and Advanced Root Instrumentation, 9th ed. Jones & Bartlett, 2023 (plus Newman & Carranza's Clinical Periodontology)