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What
Is Air Abrasion?
Air
abrasion, also called "microabrasion" and kinetic cavity
preparation, is a method of tooth structure removal considered to be an
effective alternative to the standard dental drill.
Air
abrasion technology functions much like the sandblasting technique
used to clear graffiti from walls. An air abrasion handpiece blows a
powerful air stream of tiny, fine aluminum oxide particles out of its tip
onto tooth structure. Air abrasion uses the kinetic energy principle, in
which particles bounce off the tooth and blasts the decay away.
It
most commonly is used to prepare various types of cavities to be restored
with composites, or "white fillings." Air abrasion also can be
effectively used to repair cracks and discolorations, prepare tooth
surfaces for bonding procedures, and perform additional procedures.
What
are its advantages?
Air abrasion procedures are virtually painless, which, in most cases,
eliminates the need for an anesthetic injection. Air abrasion systems
produce no vibration and no heat from friction. The technology can't harm
soft mouth tissue and they operate very quietly. Because air abrasion cuts
tooth surfaces with the utmost precision, it removes less tooth 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
usually shorter.
How
does air abrasion work?
Air abrasion procedures can leave an accumulation of harmless, dusty
particle debris in the patient's mouth, resulting in a gritty feeling that
is eradicated by rinsing. Your dentist may require you to wear protective
glasses during the procedure, and a rubber dam may be applied inside your
mouth and 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.
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