K073284 · (Ems Sa) Electro Medical Systems · EFB · Dec 14, 2007 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K073284
Device Name
AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD
Applicant
(Ems Sa) Electro Medical Systems
Product Code
EFB · Dental
Decision Date
Dec 14, 2007
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 872.4200
Device Class
Class 1
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD is an air-polishing unit intended for use in the cleaning and polishing of teeth by the projection of water, air, and dental powders onto the tooth surface. The device removes dental plaque, soft deposits, and surface stains from pits, grooves, interproximal spaces, or smooth surfaces of teeth. The device can also be used for the following cleaning procedures: - plaque removal for placement of sealants - surface preparation prior to bonding/cementation of inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers - surface preparation prior to placing composite restorations - effective plaque and stain removal for orthodontic patients - cleaning prior to bonding ortho brackets - cleaning implant fixture prior to loading - stain removal for shade determination - plaque removal prior to fluoride treatment - plaque and stain removal prior to whitening procedure
Device Story
Air-polishing unit for dental cleaning/polishing; utilizes external air/water supply; prophylaxis powder loaded into chambers. Operator uses multifunction footpedal to activate air/powder flow; mixture delivered through handpiece nozzle; enveloped by water spray; directed onto tooth surface. Used in dental clinics by professionals. Device regulates flow/mode via control panel. Benefits include efficient removal of plaque/stains/deposits; preparation of tooth surfaces for various restorative/orthodontic procedures. Output is physical projection of air/water/powder mixture.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Activities included electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, biocompatibility assessment, and functional testing to verify performance specifications following design modifications.
Technological Characteristics
Air-polishing unit; air/water/powder delivery system; includes operating unit, handpiece, powder chambers, and footpedal. Handpiece and powder nozzle are steam-sterilizable. Connectivity: external air/water supply. Software-controlled operation. Materials: standard dental-grade components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for dental patients requiring cleaning and polishing of teeth, including plaque and stain removal, orthodontic patients, and preparation for dental procedures such as sealants, bonding, restorations, and implant loading.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A dental handpiece and accessories is an AC-powered, water-powered, air-powered, or belt-driven, hand-held device that may include a foot controller for regulation of speed and direction of rotation or a contra-angle attachment for difficult to reach areas intended to prepare dental cavities for restorations, such as fillings, and for cleaning teeth.
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K073284
## 510(k) Summary for AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD
#### 1. SPONSOR
EMS ELECTRO MEDICAL SYSTEMS SA Ch. de la Vuarpillière 31 CH - 1260 Nyon Switzerland
DEC 1 4 2007
| Contact: | Suzanne Fassio-Hardy |
|----------------|----------------------|
| Date Prepared: | November 20, 2007 |
#### 2. DEVICE NAME
Proprietary Name: Common/Usual Name: Classification Name:
AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD Airbrush/Dental handpiece Airbrush and accessories/Dental handpiece and accessories
#### 3. PREDICATE DEVICES
- . EMS Electro Medical Systems SA, AIR-FLOW S2, K900709
### 4. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD is an air-polishing unit containing an operating unit, air/water pressure powered handpiece cords, powder chambers, AIR-FLOW handpieces, prophylaxis powders, multifunction footpedal and connections for external water and air supply. The operating unit of the AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD regulates the water and air/powder flow and selection of the prophylaxis powder chamber (Working Mode). The multifunction footpedal controls the operation of the AIR-FLOW handpieces. Upon installation, the AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD operating unit is connected to the external water and air supply.
Prior to use, the prophylaxis powder is loaded into the powder chamber and the chamber fixed to the operating unit. The AIR-FLOW handpiece is inserted into the air pressure powered handpiece cord and a powder nozzle is attached to the end of the AIR-FLOW handpiece. The operating unit is switched on and the air/powder flow and the Working Mode are adjusted on the control panel. When the operating unit is switched on, the
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powder chambers are under pressure. Air enters the powder chamber of the operating unit where it mixes with the prophylaxis powder. The air/powder mixture leaves the powder chamber and enters the handpiece cord. When the multifunction footpedal is pressed, the air pressure of the handpiece cord is activated and allows the air/powder mixture to be delivered to the AIR-FLOW handpiece for treatment. The air/powder mixture exits the distal end of the AIR-FLOW handpiece through the powder nozzle where it is enveloped by a water spray and directed onto the tooth surface.
## 5. INTENDED USE
The AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD is an air-polishing unit intended for use in the cleaning and polishing of teeth by the projection of water, air, and dental powders onto the tooth surface. The device removes dental plaque, soft deposits, and surface stains from pits, grooves, interproximal spaces, or smooth surfaces of teeth.
The device can also be used for the following cleaning procedures:
- . plaque removal for placement of sealants
- . surface preparation prior to bonding/cementation of inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers
- surface preparation prior to placing composite restorations .
- . effective plaque and stain removal for orthodontic patients
- . cleaning prior to bonding ortho brackets
- . cleaning implant fixture prior to loading
- stain removal for shade determination .
- . plaque removal prior to fluoride treatment
- . plaque and stain removal prior to whitening procedure
## 6. TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
The overall design of the proposed AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD is identical to the design of the parent AIR-FLOW S2 described in K900709. Both devices include an operational unit, powder chambers, AIR-FLOW handpiece, and the prophylaxis powder. They both contain controls for delivery of the air/water/powder mixture and provide nozzles for delivery. Both of the devices allow for control of the powder/air mixture delivery via a footpedal.
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The technical modifications made to the parent device to produce the AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD are limited to removal of the ultrasonic functionality, updating the design of the operating unit, AIR-FLOW handpiece, and powder chambers, and the addition of controlling software. In addition, the prophylaxis powder accessories available were expanded to include the AIR-FLOW Soft prophylaxis powder and expand the offerings in the previously-cleared AIR-FLOW Prophylaxis Powder product line.
The changes made to the parent device to produce the AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD are minor and do not represent modifications to the indications for use, operating principles, or the fundamental scientific technology of the device. Testing was conducted to confirm that the proposed AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD meets established performance specifications. Based on the above discussion and the comparison chart on the following page, EMS Electro Medical Systems S.A. believes that the proposed AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD is substantially equivalent to the parent air-polishing unit, AIR-FLOW S2 cleared for marketing in the U.S. (K900709).
| Item for Comparison | AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD<br>Proposed | AIR-FLOW S2<br>K900709 |
|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Intended for use in the cleaning and polishing of teeth by the projection of water, air,<br>and dental powders onto the tooth surface. The device removes dental plaque, soft<br>deposits, and surface stains from pits, grooves, interproximal spaces, or smooth<br>surfaces of teeth. | |
| Function | Air polisher | Air polisher<br>Ultrasonic scaler |
| Cleaning and Preparatory<br>Action | Projection of air/powder/water mixture | |
| Operational Unit | Control of air/powder/water delivery | Same |
| Footpedal Activation | Yes | Same |
| Water and Air Supply | External | Same |
| Powder Location | Powder Chamber | Same |
| Prophylaxis Powder | AIR-FLOW Classic<br>AIR-FLOW Soft | AIR-FLOW Prophylaxis powder |
| Dental Handpiece | AIR-FLOW handpiece* | AIR-FLOW handpiece<br>Piezon handpiece (ultrasonic) |
| Sterilization Process | AIR-FLOW handpiece and powder<br>nozzle: steam | AIR-FLOW handpiece and powder<br>nozzle: steam |
Comparison Chart for Determination of Substantial Equivalence
* Minor upgrades from the original handpiece (AIR-FLOW S2); identical to AIR-FLOW Handy2 (K022119)
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#### 7. PERFORMANCE TESTING
The appropriate design verification and design validation activities were conducted to address the potential risks identified in the Risk Analyses for the modifications made to the parent device, AIR-FLOW S2. These activities included electrical safety testing, electromagnetic compatibility testing, biocompatibility assessment, and functional testing. The results confirmed that the AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD is safe and effective for its intended use.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol resembling an eagle or bird in flight, composed of three curved lines.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
DEC 1 4 2007
(EMS SA) Electro Medical Systems C/O Ms. Susan M. Bonapace Regulatory Associate Medical Device Consultants, Incorporated 49 Plain Street North Attleboro, Massachusetts 02760
Re: K073284
.
Trade/Device Name: AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD Regulation Number: 872.6080 Regulation Name: Airbrush Regulatory Class: II Product Code: EFB, KOJ Dated: November 20, 2007 Received: November 21, 2007
Dear Ms. Bonapace:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Page 2 - Ms. Bonapace
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0115. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Spon Ruano
C. Chia-Lin, Ph.D.
Chiu Lin, Ph.D. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD Device Name:
Indications for Use:
The AIR-FLOW MASTER STANDARD is an air-polishing unit intended for use in The AINS LOW MA Creeth by the projection of water, air, and dental the cleaning and polisions
powders onto the tooth surface. The device removes dental plaque, soft deposits, powders onto the took.
and surface stains from pits, grooves, interproximal spaces, or smooth surfaces of teeth.
The device can also be used for the following cleaning procedures:
- plaque removal for placement of sealants .
- surface preparation prior to bonding/cementation of inlays, onlays, crowns . and veneers
- surface preparation prior to placing composite restorations .
- effective plaque and stain removal for orthodontic patients .
- cleaning prior to bonding ortho brackets .
- cleaning implant fixture prior to loading .
- stain removal for shade determination .
- plaque removal prior to fluoride treatment .
- plaque and stain removal prior to whitening procedure .
Over-The-Counter Use AND/OR Prescription Use × (21 CFR 807 Subpart C) (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Susan Kanner
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.