Air Abrasion

Air abrasion is a relatively new technology in dentistry that replaces conventional dental drills in cavity treatment with a fast, quiet and safe stream of particles. Air abrasion is a drill-less, noiseless, pain-free, anesthesia-free technique that is being used by more and more dentists to remove the early tooth decay.

An air abrasion procedure involves an instrument that works like a mini sandblaster to clean decay by blowing fine aluminum oxide particles using compressed air through its fine tips. During air abrasion, a fine stream of particles made of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture is aimed at the decayed portion of the tooth. The kinetic energy principle is used in which particles bounce off the tooth, blasting away the decay. The gentle stream of air mixed with fine powder removes decay from a tooth very precisely and conservatively. Due to its precision and gentleness, the air abrasion allows dentists to treat decay at an earlier stage with less removal of tooth structure.

The ability of dentists to control both the air and powder of the unit and the reduced heat, noise, and vibration has made air abrasion a very safe and virtually painless procedure. Since anesthetics are not necessary in cases where the decay is diagnosed at an early stage, you will not have any numb, uncomfortable feeling after your dental treatment.

During the air abrasion procedure you’ll need protective eye wear to prevent eye irritation from the spray and a rubber dam or protective resin applied to nearby teeth and gums to protect areas of the mouth that are not being treated.

Air abrasion is primarily used to prepare various types of cavities to be restored with composite resins, or white fillings. It also can be effectively used to repair cracks, remove stains and tooth discolorations, prepare tooth surfaces for bonding procedures and cosmetic surgeries.

The art and science of dentistry has really been changed through the introduction of air abrasion, a no drill procedure for removing tooth decay. Now, you can leave dental office faster, with less discomfort and with cosmetic restorations that are virtually invisible.

Dental Glossary Presented by: Michael C. Fling DDS

We present this glossary of Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, High Tech Dentistry and Branded Dentistry procedures as an educational too.

Please note: not all procedures are preformed by our practice.

Branded Dentistry		High Tech Dentistry		Cosmetic Dentistry
Brite Smile Diagnodent Isolite Zoom Whitening General Dentistry Dental Hygiene Dental Sealants Dentures Orthodontics Periodontics		Air Abrasion Digital Imaging Digital Xrays Intra Oral Camera Laser Dentistry Laser Teeth Whitening Periodontal Therapy		Dental Bonding Dental Crowns Dental implants Dentistry introduction Endodontics Extreme Makeover Full Mouth Rehabilitation Gum Contouring Inlays and Onlays Neuromuscular Dentistry Non Metal Fillings Porcelain Veneers Sedation / Sleep Dentistry Smile Design Smile Makeover Teeth Whitening TMJ Dentistry