“Air Abrasion” — Removing Dental Decay Without a Drill
Air Abrasion is a modern method used at Live Well Dental to remove tooth decay.
This patient-friendly system can replace the dental drill many of us have experienced.
How Does Air Abrasion Work?
The air abrasion unit blows a powerful stream of tiny, aluminum oxide particles onto your tooth. When this happens, the particles bounce off your tooth, taking the decay with them.
What are the Benefits of Using Air Abrasion?
Many patients like air abrasion because of what it offers over the dental drill:
- Usually painless — no need for numbing or needles
- You can keep more of your healthy tooth
- Usually shorter treatment time
- No noise, heat, pressure, or vibration
- Materials strengthen and protect your tooth
- Less risk of breaking tooth enamel
- Natural-looking materials
Why Do We Use Air Abrasion?
We understand how people feel about the dental drill… After all, we get dental care too, and so do our families. We consider your comfort a top priority.
Live Well Dental is recognized for bringing the latest, safest advances in dental care to you. As a forward-thinking office, our philosophy of care includes minimally invasive dentistry.
WE FOCUS ON:
- Preventing disease rather than always repairing your teeth
- Keeping as much of your original tooth as possible
- Using materials and procedures that reduce the need for future repair
Is Air Abrasion Safe?
Yes, it is safe! Air abrasion may leave dusty particles that feel a bit gritty in your mouth, but it’s harmless. A tiny vacuum hose is used to reduce the dust, you’ll be given protective glasses for your eyes; one last rinse of your mouth, and the final particles are all gone! Aluminum oxide, which is used in air abrasion, is also safe. When it touches saliva, it turns into a harmless hydroxide which is commonly found in toothpaste too.
Dr. Chang uses the advanced system called Isolite™, instead of the rubber dam in your mouth. The Isolite™ is far more comfortable and usually gives better results — and shorter treatment time.
Does Air Abrasion Have Drawbacks?
Like most procedures, air abrasion isn’t perfect. It’s not always totally painless for everyone. Sometimes it causes sensitivity in teeth during the procedure.
Is Air Abrasion Used for All Procedures?
Air Abrasion works well for many, but not all, dental procedures. These include:
- Repairing broken crowns and bridges
- White fillings — also known as composite
- Removing small cavities from the surface of teeth
- Removing stains and spots
- Repairing cracks, chips, worn teeth, old fillings, and sealants
Dentists still have to use the dental drill for deep cavities and silver fillings. This is also true for a few other treatments: onlays, crowns, and bridges. But don’t worry — Dr. Chang has a gentle touch!
Is Air Abrasion for Children Too?
Absolutely! Most children would rather have air abrasion than the drill:
- Less pain
- No needles
- Less time in the dental chair
- Quieter tool