A GENTLE NEW WAY TO TREAT DECAY

WHAT IS THE KCP AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

It's a new instrument that can be used as an alternative to the drill in many procedures. A microscopically fine powder is carried to the tooth by a stream of air, gently spraying away decay. In a simple sense, you could say it works like a precise miniature sandblaster.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT?

Thanks to its precision and gentleness, the KCP allows us to treat decay at an earlier stage without as much removal of healthy tooth material, thereby helping to preserve the strength of the tooth. Teeth treated this way may be less likely to require crowns in the future. Smaller fillings are less susceptible to wear and may last longer.

The KCP system creates a cavity surface that is so ideal for use with tooth-colored (composite) fillings, we can place those fillings faster than ever before. In some instances, the KCP actually allows us to complete your treatment in fewer visits.

WILL IT HURT?

The aspect of the KCP that many patients appreciate most is its comfort. The KCP system greatly reduces heat and vibration, two sources of discomfort traditionally associated with fillings. That's why the KCP is often used without anesthetics. This also enhances our ability to treat patients who are pregnant or medically compromised. With the KCP, we can often treat children without the two things they fear most -- the needle and the drill. But since for some people the KCP may involve minor discomfort, it would be inaccurate to call it "painless."

IS IT SAFE?

Absolutely. The tiny particles we use are alpha alumina, a pure, biocompatible substance long used in medicine and food. In fact, it is a prime ingredient in several popular whitening toothpastes. Only a tiny amount of this microscopically fine powder is actually used in each procedure and most of it is immediately removed by our evacuation system. Scientific tests show that patients would have to undergo about 28 typical 20-30 second KCP procedures in order to inhale enough alpha alumina to equal the weight of one grain of table salt. The amount inhaled in a a single procedure is about 1000 times less that the limit established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

WHAT CAN IT BE USED FOR?

Besides tooth-colored fillings, the KCP is very useful in a number of cosmetic procedures such as veneers, inlays, and onlays. It also allows us to apply protective sealants in a matter of seconds -- a time frame even shorter than the attention span of most youngsters!

WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE?

The most noticeable sound most patients hear is the evacuation system which removes particles from the mouth. It sounds similar to a quiet vacuum cleaner. The KCP itself makes a blowing sound similar to an aerosol can being sprayed.

IF I COME TO YOUR OFFICE, WILL I BE TREATED WITH THE KCP?

Not necessarily. Though the KCP will dramatically reduce our overall reliance on the drill, it is not appropriate for every part of every procedure. For example, we will continue to use the drill to remove silver (amalgam) fillings and for crown preparations. Please ask us about the role the KCP might play in your treatment.

THE PICTURES BELOW SHOW THE SAME AMOUNT OF DECAY IN THE TEETH ALONG WITH TWO SEPARATE WAYS OF CLEANING THEM OUT.

	THE BLUE BACKGROUND DEPICTS THE OLDER METHOD OF DECAY REMOVAL, STILL USED AT MOST OTHER DENTISTS. IT REMOVES DECAY AND HEALTHY TOOTH STRUCTURE, ALONG WITH WEAKENING THE TOOTH.
	THE ORANGE BACKGROUND SHOWS THE KCP, "STATE-OF-THE-ART FILLING" USED AT FIRST DENTAL. IT IS A TOOTH COLORED (NOT WHITE) FILLING. THE HEALTHY TOOTH STRUCTURE REMAINS INTACT, KEEPING THE TOOTH STRONG..

1730 WILLIAMS TRACE, #E • SUGARLAND, TEXAS 77478
OFFICE: (281) 494-3368 • PAGER: (713) 549-7645

Dr. Imrek is a cosmetic dentist in Sugarland near Houston. Services provided by
First Dental include zoom tooth whitening, Cerec, laser dentistry, Waterlase and more.
©2003 Alan Imrek, DDS
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