Micro-Air
Abrasion: No Needles? No Drilling? No Kidding?
No needles, no drilling, no
pain... no kidding! It’s possible, thanks to micro-air
abrasion. Using an airborne stream of micro-fine powder,
we can gently and effectively remove tooth decay without
the drill, the needle, the noise or the pain. Micro-Air
abrasion helps us detect and treat dental decay in its
earliest stages. This specialized method of tooth structure
removal is considered to be an effective alternative to
the standard dental drill.
An
air abrasion instrument blows a powerful air stream of
tiny, fine aluminum oxide particles out of its tip onto
tooth structure. Micro-Air abrasion uses the kinetic energy
principle, in which particles bounce off the tooth, gently
removing decayed tooth. This technology is most commonly
used to prepare various types of cavities to be restored
with composites, or "white fillings." Micro-Air
abrasion also can be effectively used to repair cracks
and discolorations, prepare tooth surfaces for bonding,
and perform additional procedures.
What
are its advantages?
Micro-Air abrasion procedures are painless, which
eliminates the need for an anesthetic injection. These
systems produce no vibration and no heat from friction.
The technology cannot harm soft mouth tissue and they
operate very quietly. Because air abrasion cuts tooth
surfaces with the utmost precision, it removes less tooth
structure than the drill and it reduces the risk of enamel
micro-fracturing. In other words, the advantages are more
of your tooth is preserved, there is little or no discomfort,
no anesthetic numbness is needed, and treatment time is
shorter.
How
does the procedure feel?
Air abrasion procedures can leave an accumulation
of harmless, dusty particle debris in the patient's mouth,
resulting in a gritty feeling that is easily removed by
rinsing. Your dentist may require you to wear protective
glasses during the procedure, and a rubber dam may be
applied inside your mouth an d around the tooth area being
treated to serve as a particle barrier. To reduce dust
buildup, the dentist or dental assistant may use a vacuum
hose or a water spray technique while administering air
abrasion.
Is
air abrasion suitable for everyone?
Yes. It is an especially good option for children
who may be afraid of the needle, and the noise, and vibration
of a regular dental drill. However, there are some treatments,
like crown and bridge preparation, that still require
the use of a dental drill. Air abrasion can't be used
as an alternative in every procedure.
Who
will provide my air abrasion treatment?
Your general dentist, who has been trained in restorative
dentistry techniques, will perform any procedures that
use air abrasion technology. Ask your dentist if he or
she uses air abrasion equipment and if this technique
is right for you.
