The
No-Drill Cavity Solution
By: Linda J. Golden, DDS
Today, combining quality care with cutting edge dentistry is important. When you've seen equipment described on television, haven't you wondered why your dentist never has it? Wouldn't you prefer a silent drill, a painless drill? Well it's here.
In this, my first of a series of columns, I will attempt to describe one state of the art dental innovation that is available to you now. It's called KCP.
WHAT IS KCP?
Is it really a painless replacement for the drill? For most patients,
yes, yet "painless" is subjective. The important thing is that KCP
(the Kinetic Cavity Preparation system) is so gentle, that it can
often be used without any anesthesia at all. Although it does not
replace the drill completely, it does provide an alternative way
to prepare many teeth for fillings. It is especially beneficial
in the treatment of children and of patients whose medical conditions
restrict the use of anesthesia.
It is also very effective for patients who are apprehensive in the
dental office.
HOW DOES KCP WORK?
Minute particles, almost too small to be seen with the naked eye, are carried to the tooth, by a stream of air, gently and precisely spraying away decay. Think of it as a miniature, microscopically-precise sandblaster. There is little or no vibration and no unpleasant whining sound.
IS KCP SAFE?
Absolutely. The particles used are alpha alumina, a pure, biocompatible food grade substance long used in toothpaste, medicine and food. Only a tiny amount is actually used in each procedure and most of it is immediately removed by an evacuation system. Even in the most intensive KCP treatments, a patient intakes only a tiny amount of particles, less than the weight of one grain of table salt.
IS EVERY PATIENT TREATED WITH KCP?
No.
The drill is still needed to prepare teeth for crowns, remove silver
color fillings and perform a number of other important procedures.
The KCP system is not used to treat soft tissue, i.e. gums. When
the procedure does call for the KCP, it may be used in combination
with other instruments such as the drill, or the dental laser.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT KCP ?
If you call our office at (516) 627-8400, Dr. Golden will be happy to answer any questions you may have relating to your any of your dental needs.
The KCP treatment is a real breakthrough in saving your teeth from tooth decay without any of the unpleasantries of old fashioned dentistry.