The potential of sono-abrasion as a cavity preparation tool

During cavity preparation, preserving the largest amount of sound dental tissues and anatomical strategic structures is essential to protect pulp-dentin complex vitality and to maintain the residual strength of the tooth. Innovative access pathway to the dentin lesion with limited enamel removing is an essential part of the minimally invasive preparation. Sono-abrasion and ultrasono-abrasion device had been specifically developed in this aim but also to avoid damage of tooth surfaces of adjacent teeth when rotating instruments are used. Two systems of oscillating preparation instruments are available: the Sonicflex system based on sono-abrasion (Kavo) and the Piezon Master 600 system based on ultrasono-abrasion (EMS). Both systems are composed of a wide variety of partially diamond-coated working tips. The major advantages of working abrasive microtips are applicability for all surfaces (occlusal, cervical, approximal), efficient substance removal, selective grinding of enamel preparation, appropriate preparation margin, width of bevel choice, limited access to dentin lesion, congruency of outline form between tool end defect, reduced risk of injuring neighbouring tooth in contact area and clean surfaces for adhesion. During the lecture, we will mainly discuss the choice and the use in daily practice of these tools in three clinical situations: selective removal of enamel opacities in esthetics dentistry, easy preparations for cervical lesions and new cavity designs (tunneled, slot and saucer forms) for proximal preparation.