Air powder waterjet technology using erythritol or glycine powders in periodontal or peri‐implant prophylaxis and therapy: A consensus report of an expert meeting
Clinical and Experimental Dental Research 10 :e855 (2024)
Abstract
Objectives: To attain a collective expert opinion on the use of air powder waterjet technology (APWT) with erythritol and glycine powders in the prophylaxis and therapy of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases.
Material and Methods: In the first step, a modified one‐round online Delphi survey including 44 five‐point Likert scale questions was conducted among a group of 10 expert clinicians and researchers with thorough knowledge and experience in this topic. In the second step, the single questions and the survey results were discussed during a meeting, and consensus statements were formulated, respectively.
Results: An agreement was reached on most items, especially opinions supporting glycine and erythritol powders as favorable with respect to efficiency, safety, and comfort. More scientific evidence is needed to support the improvement in clinical attachment on teeth and implants, especially when APWT with erythritol is used. In addition, APWT needs more long‐term evaluation and studies in terms of microbiome/microbiological effects as well as effects on the inflammatory response on natural teeth and implants, also in light of a guided biofilm therapy concept.
Conclusions: In line with the expert opinions and supported by the evidence, it was concluded that the use of APWT with erythritol and glycine powders in nonsurgical periodontal and peri‐implant therapy and prophylaxis is patient compliant and efficient.
Keywords
Citazione
Liu CC, Dixit N, Hatz CR, Janson TM, Bastendorf KD, Belibasakis GN, Cosgarea R, Karoussis IK, Mensi M, O'Neill J, Spahr A, Stavropoulos A, Schmidlin PR. Air powder waterjet technology using erythritol or glycine powders in periodontal or peri‐implant prophylaxis and therapy: A consensus report of an expert meeting. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research. 2024;10:e855. doi: 10.1002/cre2.855
Study Highlights
This consensus report from EFP Europerio 10 (2022, Copenhagen) gathered 12 international experts to evaluate APWT with erythritol and glycine powders. Key consensus points:
- Biofilm removal: Strong agreement (100%) for supragingival and subgingival efficacy on teeth; majority agreement (73%) for submucosal implant surfaces (access-dependent)
- Safety: Strong agreement (100%) on safety for enamel, dentin, cementum, dental materials, and soft tissues
- Patient/clinician comfort: Strong agreement (100%) that APWT is more comfortable than hand instruments, ultrasonics, and rubber cups
- Terminology: Panel agreed to adopt “air flowing” over “air polishing” or “air abrasion”
Gaps identified: More evidence needed for CAL improvement and long-term microbiological effects.