Air Abrasion
Imagine eliminating cavities and restoring teeth back to their original shape and color without any drills or shots of novocaine – think it sounds too good to be true? Guess again! Air abrasion allows us to do just that. By gently spraying a tooth with a stream of abrasive particles (like a miniature sand blaster), decay is quickly eliminated and a composite (white) filling is placed. Another nice aspect of air abrasion is how little of the tooth needs to be removed, compared to traditional methods. This leaves a more solid, stronger tooth.
Questions and Answers:
Q: Can air abrasion be used for all dental procedures?
A: No. Small, shallow cavities are the best candidates for air abrasion. If there is excessive sensitivity or the cavity is deeper than originally thought, then we may have to switch to traditional methods. It can also be used for repairing small cracks and discolorations, and improve bonding strengths. It cannot be used for amalgam removal, teeth with large cavities, or crowns.
Q: Are there other advantages of using air abrasion over the traditional dental handpiece (drill)?
A: Yes: There is no vibration and no heat generated. Also, it cannot harm soft tissues in the mouth. In addition, because we do not need novocaine, we can complete more treatment at each visit. I have actually completed twelve fillings for one patient in a 40- minute appointment!
Q: Is air abrasion noisy?
A: No. It sounds like air being released from a bicycle tire that is already partially deflated. For people who hate the sound of the drill, it’s a nice alternative!
Q: Does air abrasion go by any other names?
A: Yes. It is also called “micro abrasion” and “kinetic cavity preparation.”
Q: What is the abrasive particle? Is it dangerous?
A: The abrasive particle is alpha alumina (or aluminum oxide). It is a biocompatible substance used in medicine and food. It is also a prime ingredient in some whitening toothpastes. Studies have shown patients would have to undergo about 28 20-30 second air abrasion procedures in order to inhale enough alpha alumina to equal the weight of one grain of table salt. The amount inhaled in a single procedure is about 1000 times less than the limit established by OSHA.
Q: Are there any other negative side effects or disadvantages?
A: Not really. After the procedure you may have a build up of the aluminum oxide in your mouth, which is eliminated by rinsing a few times.