Kinetic Cavity Preparation System

KCP2000 & MICRO PREP (Kinetic Cavity Preparation)

What is the KCP2000 and how does it work?
The KCP2000 is a new instrument that can be used as an alternative to the drill in some procedures. Minute particles almost too small to be seen with the naked eye are gently carried to the tooth by a stream of air and precisely spray away decay.

What does it mean to me as a patient?
Thanks to its precision and gentleness, the KCP2000 allows us to treat decay at an earlier stage without as much removal of healthy tooth material. Teeth treated this way will be less likely to require crowns in the future. Smaller fillings are less susceptible to wear and will last longer. The KCP system creates a cavity surface that is ideal for use with tooth-colored (composite) fillings. Using this technology, we can place fillings faster than ever before.

We begin the procedure by isolating the tooth with a rubber dam. This prevents aluminum oxide particles that do the cutting with our KCP machine from entering the oral cavity. These aluminum oxide crystals are between 25 and 50 microns in size and are injected around the tooth under compressed air of anywhere from 100 to 80 psi's, providing the cutting. In most cases, no local anesthesia or needles are even needed for the treatment. Please keep in mind that if existing metal fillings are present, or if we need to do specific types of cavity designs, the KCP may not be the appropriate treatment approach.

Will it Hurt?
While no treatment is truly painless, the KCP system greatly reduces vibration and heat, two major causes of discomfort normally associated with tooth fillings. That's why the KCP can often be used without anesthetics. This also enhances our ability to treat patients who are pregnant or otherwise medically compromised. With the KCP, we can also treat children without the two things that they fear the most - the needle and the drill.

Is it Safe?
Absolutely! The tiny particles that we use are alpha alumni, a pure, biocompatible substance long used in medicine and food. In fact, it is a prime ingredient in several whitening toothpastes and preservatives. Only a tiny amount is actually used in each procedure and most of it is immediately removed by our evacuation system. Laboratory tests show that patients would have to undergo about 28 typical 20-30 second KCP procedures in order to inhale enough alumina to equal one grain of table salt.

Are any precautions necessary?
We will ask you to wear special glasses to protect your eyes from irritation. As an added precaution, we will sometimes shield off the parts of your mouth that aren't being treated.

What does it sound like?
The most noticeable sound is the evacuation system which removes particles from the mouth. The KCP itself makes a blowing sound similar to the air syringe we use to dry teeth.

What can it be used for?
Besides tooth-colored fillings, the KCP2000 is very useful in a number of procedures such as veneers, inlays and onlays. It also allows us to apply preventative sealants in a matter of seconds - a time frame even shorter than the attention span of most youngsters!

If I come to your office, will I be treated with the KCP2000?
Not necessarily. Though the KCP2000 will dramatically reduce our overall reliance on the drill, it is not appropriate for every part of the 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.