Microabrasion

Resident’s Name: Joanne Lewis Date: November 20, 2009

Article title: Microabrasion: effect of time, number of applications, and pressure on enamel loss

Author(s): Daniel P. Dalzell, DDS, MS, et al

Journal: Pediatric Dentistry

Volume (number): 17(3)

Month, Year: 1995

Major topic: microabrasion

Type of Article: scientific article

Main Purpose: To evaluate the effect that time, number of applications, and pressure has on the amount of enamel loss seen in micoabrasion using hydrochloric acid and pumice.

Overview of method of research: 27 extracted premolars with no visible signs of decalcification, fluorosis, or any other defect were used in the investigation. The teeth were hand rubbed with an 18% HCL-pumice mixture at time intervals of 5, 10, and 20 sec and 5, 10, and 15 applications under pressures of 10, 20, and 30g. Longitudinal sections were cut from the treated sections and measured for enamel loss.

Findings: Enamel loss significantly increased as each variable increased. The combination of 10 ten-sec applications or 15 five-sec applications with 20g of pressure resulted in enamel loss of slightly less than 250 mm.

Key points/Summary: When using this procedure, keep the applications below 10 ten-sec applications or 15 five-sec applications.

Assessment of article: I have never used this procedure – anyone else?