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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.
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.
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