Applications of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in Dentistry- A Review

Abstract

Plasma is one of the most dominant states of matter in the universe and was identified  by Sir William Crooke in 1879. It is an electrically conducting medium that responds to electric and magnetic fields. It implies studies concerning the direct action of low temperature and the effect of low atmospheric plasma pressure on body tissues for various non-invasive therapeutic treatments or diagnostic purposes. Plasma consists of large quantities of highly reactive species, such as ions, energetic electrons, exited atoms and molecules, ultraviolet photons in the meta-stable state, and active radicals. Research has revealed promising and successful medical applications of these non-thermal, cold plasma-reactive oxygen species. The objective of this minor review is to highlight the numerous applications of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) in dentistry, which include: dental caries prevention by bacterial inactivation; prevention of oral cancer by selective destruction of the tumour cells and damaged tissue repair effects; tooth bleaching or whitening procedures; in restorative dentistry for placement of composite restorations; in endodontic therapy for root canal disinfection; and for the treatment of oral thrush (induced by Candida albicans).