This unit is easy to use and control. It enables the operator to quickly develop the skills necessary to fully utilize air abrasion. Thus making the learning a new skill in the midst of a busy everyday practice painless. This performance of this unit has been maximised for flexible cutting efficiency. The selector APA is designed to deliver a precise performance to help you provide conservative dentistry. With earlier caries detection now than ever before, this unit will treat caries effectively where the smallest bur can not reach.

The Selector APA is inexpensive and retails at lower costs than the cost of competitor units and has a THREE year warranty.

No need for local anesthesia in many applications, and thus no patient waiting time.

Before using the Selector APA in a clinical setting, dentists must understand the devices unique cutting properties. When properly employed, the Selector APA may be used for an array of applications common to the typical dental practice. The instrument is indicated for use and used most often in the procedures described below:

Cavity preparations for composite restorations (resin, hybrid, ormocers, etc ) for procedures class I to V.

Removal or resurfacing of composite restorations

Partial removal of composite restorations and repair or re-bonding at failure sites.

Etching of enamel, dentine and porcelain prior to bonding.

Preparation for pit and fissure sealant.

Tunnel preparation

Porcelain repair

Minimal preparation to repair crown margins

This easy unit is easy to use and control. This enables the operator to quickly develop the skills necessary to fully utilize air abrasion. Thus making the learning a new skill in the midst of a busy everyday practice painless. This performance of this unit has been maximised for flexible cutting efficiency. The selector APA is designed to deliver a precise performance to help you provide conservative dentistry. With earlier caries detection now than ever before, this unit will treat caries effectively where the smallest bur can not reach.

The Selector APA is inexpensive and retails at about half the cost of competitor units

The Selector APA uses the surgery compressed air, a supply of 80 psi will generate an efficient cutting stream. No extra compressor eliminates costs and allows the unit to be small (H8 x W16 x D20cm) so that it will easily be accommodated wherever you decide to locate it in your surgery. The unit is thus compact and portable, it weighs 1.5kg.

Cutting efficiency is determined by the flow rate of abrasive powder and air pressure. The air pressure and powder flow which generate the abrasive stream, are easy to control, making the Selector APA suitable for many clinical applications. The Selector APA has an electronic foot pedal. Compared to other units there is a shorter flow after the foot control is released. This flow is necessary and ensures that there is no "suck-back" contamination of the air lines and powder chamber by oral aerosols. Stopping the air flow at the instant the foot control is released runs the risk of "suck-back" and cross-contamination between patients.

The Selector APA is the instrument of choice for small, conservative preparations, removal of composite and glass ionomer restorations, and cleaning occlusal surfaces prior to fissure sealing. Selectively removing fractured porcelain and air abrading metal. It is not suited for crown and onlay preparations and removal of large areas of soft, spongy caries. Although removal of amalgam is possible it is not recommended.

The selector APA has a whisper-quiet operation, producing minimal noise and vibration compared to turbine based treatment. Treatment is so comfortable that multiple quadrants may be treated in one visit.

No need for local anesthesia in many applications, and thus no patient waiting time.

The use of the air abrasive technique for cavity preparations has been tolerated by many patients without anesthesia. If a patient reports discomfort however, the practitioner should reduce the pressure. Administering an appropriate anaesthetic may also be required in some cases.

Treatment with the Selector APA is comfortable and quick. Some procedures only take a matter of seconds. The abrasive stream is perceived by the patient as a cool jet of air. As often no local anaesthetic is required, also no needles are required.

The Selector APA cuts enamel and dentin very rapidly and is as fast or faster than the high speed Hand piece. It also can cut porcelain to gain endontic access on a crowned tooth. Unlike the turbine, the abrasive stream does not cause stress cracking in the adjacent tooth structure, or dental materials.

Aluminum oxide is classified a nuisance rather than a toxic substance. However patients with respiratory problems, including asthma, should not be treated with air abrasion. For the highest level of performance, 29 micron size aluminium oxide particles are recommended for use in the Selector APA. Dentoid supplies  a very high grade of aluminium oxide for use in this unit.

Cavity preparation time will vary depending upon the amount of material to be removed. In most cases patient comfort will not dictate that rinsing is necessary. However, on prolonged procedures, patients may experience some discomfort from dryness in the mouth and may wish to have their mouths rinsed. Use standard procedures to rinse with the 3 in 1 and evacuate with a saliva ejector. Also allow the patient to swill with mouthwash.

Air Abrasion, rubber dam and soft tissue.

The abrasive stream has a high kinetic energy. Soft resilient materials absorb the kinetic energy and cut very slowly. However to reduce the risk of embolism the hand piece of the Selector APA should not be directed at the exposed pulp due to the risk of embolism. Also, never place the hand piece in direct extended contact with the gingiva when the air stream is activated.

Care should also be taken to protect the gingiva and unattached gingiva from cuts to reduce the risk of subcutaneous Emphysema. This can be accomplished by use of rubber dam. If the gingiva or unattached gingiva is inadvertently cut, discontinue using the Selector APA until the cut can be covered, since there is a possibility that the air stream could enter the cut and cause air to be injected subcutaneously. This can result in swelling and pose a risk of infection.

A strip of rubber dam placed interproximally provides the best protection for a tooth adjacent to one being prepared with air abrasion. Rubber absorbs the cutting energy and cuts very slowly. It offers much better protection than a stainless steel matrix band.

How do you place undercuts with The Selector APA

The small center area of the abrasive stream cuts the fastest. By using the small tip, moderate air pressure and tilting the tip to direct the center of the abrasive stream at the area where the undercut is desired, a very precise undercut can be placed in just 1 or 2 seconds.

Aspiration and air abrasion

Dry suction systems and water circulating systems with plastic impeller blades are not adversely affected by aluminum oxide. Wet suction systems with metal impeller blades can be damaged by the wet abrasive slurry and the blade may eventually have to be replaced.

Cattani produce a dedicated air abrasion suction system for around £375.00 excluding VAT. This system splices into your existing system and has a separate trap to catch the debris which has been aspirated.

Dr Siswick of Victoria Road Dental Surgery, Halifax, kindly provided the pictures below of a prepared tooth using the Selector APA. The final restoration is also shown.