Abstract
Hitherto, rotary cutting equipment has been the most commonly used in the cutting of teeth in clinical dentistry, but its use is accompanied by pressure, vibration, noise, heat and pain. As Kinetic techniques tend to reduce these unpleasant effects, the authors have conducted a series of basic research projects concerning the application of kinetic energy within the area of pediatric dentistry. In the present study, histological serial sections were undertaken and cavity shapes and other features were observed in order to better understand the details of cavities formed using an air-abrasive cutting machine. The KCP-2001 J air-powder abrasive system was used to prepare Class 5 cavities on 50 teeth of 6 adult dogs. Following decalcification of the specimens, paraffin serial sections were done and hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed. Sections were observed and photographed under an optical microscope, and the resulting images were processed with an image scanner. Computer analysis was then used to measure the dimensions and features of the prepared cavities.
The following conclusions were obtained:
1) Cavities prepared with air-abrasive cutting instrument take mainly the shape of a slightly outwardly spread “U”.
2) The cavity walls of preparations done by air-abrasive cutting system are relatively smooth.
3) Even though the used air-abrasive cutting system without water spray, no burning was observed on the tooth material surrounding the cavities.
4) Although it is difficult to form cavities with distinct point angles or line angles using the abrasive cutting system, extremely precise long cavities can be prepared.
