What is Air Abrasion?
Air abrasion is a gentle spray of an air-and-powder mix that removes tooth decay.
Does Air Abrasion Hurt?
Almost never! By controlling the speed and the intensity of both the powder and the air, your dentist can make the procedure virtually painless. Since a shot is not necessary in most cases, you will not have numb or drooping lips after your dental procedure. The art and science of dentistry have changed, offering a no needle, no drill, no fear procedure for removing decay.
Can you tell me a little more about air abrasion?
Since air abrasion is achieved by directing a thin stream of abrasive powder at the area of tooth decay, your dentist removes only minimal sections of tooth—only the decayed area. Until now, all the dentist had to use was the noisy drill. But it was so big, compared to our beam of powder, that it removed a lot of healthy tooth structure. Air abrasion allows for very small cavity preparations and is part of what is called MicroDentistry.
What is MicroDentistry?
MicroDentistry is the philosophy and practice of finding and treating decay as early as possible, of removing as little tooth structure as possible, of making the smallest possible restorations (fillings) and of assuring that those restorations are esthetically pleasing and long lasting. MicroDentistry is a broader term than air abrasion. Air abrasion is the part of the procedure that removes the decay and prepares the tooth for restoration.
What should I know about early detection and treatment?
At the slightest hint of tooth decay, your dentist will put a “caries detection dye” on the suspicious tooth. This colored liquid helps identify the position and extent of decay- even that not visible to the naked eye. Your dentist then can take care of the problem-usually inn less than 10 minutes.
If my dentist detects tooth decay, can it be treated immediately?
Immediately and minimally. Early detection means early treatment. We’re talking about decay here, tooth rot! Why wait for it to spread, wait for the cavity to get bigger? Your dentist can take care of it today, giving you healthier teeth before you leave the office.
Why is air abrasion better than the old drill?
The air abrasion device that we use instead of the drill is the KREATIV system. Its technology eliminates the odors, noise, vibration, micro-cracks and, in most cases, the shot associated with the drill.
Once air abrasion removes the decay, how is the cavity filled?
This is the beautiful part-literally! Your dentist will fill that cavity with nearly invisible, non-mercury filling, making the entire tooth strong, long lasting and resisting tooth decay.
Is the finish attractive?
Definitely! It’s going to look like a brand new tooth.
Can children as well as adults benefit from air abrasion?
Absolutely! Air abrasion is perfect for children. Most cavities that are detected early can be treated immediately, without a drill and without a needle. The tooth is then restored with natural looking materials to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure. Most children are not even aware of what the dentist is doing.
Fewer dental appointments for the young patient are usually required because with air abrasion many more procedure can be completed in a single appointment.
What other procedure is air abrasion good for?
Besides removing decay, air abrasion works well in these procedures: