Air Abrasion, also referred to as microabrasion and kinetic cavity preparation, is a technique using a pneumatic, high-pressure stream of aluminum oxide to remove dental enamel, dentin, and restorative materials from teeth. It is regarded as an effective alternative to the standard dental drill. Most cavities that are detected early can be treated immediately without a drill and without a needle. Air Abrasion is a dental method of tooth structure removal.

In the method of air abrasion, particles bounce off tooth and blast the decay away, the method uses kinetic energy principle. To explain the aforementioned statement further, air abrasion technology works like the sandblasting procedure used to clear away inscriptions scratched or written on walls. A strong air flow of tiny, fine aluminum oxide particles are blown out from the tip of an instrument onto tooth structure in the method of air abrasion technology. Moreover, air abrasion can also in fact be used to repair cracks and discolorations, and prepare tooth surfaces for bonding process. Air abrasion is most commonly used to prepare different types of cavities for repair with composites or white filings.

Air Abrasion is advantageous. In most cases, it eliminates the need for an anesthetic injection. The procedures of air abrasion are effectively painless and produce neither vibration nor heat caused by friction. Air abrasion removes fewer teeth than the drill and it reduces the risk of enamel micro-fracturing because it cuts tooth surfaces with the utmost precision. Air abrasion treatment time is shorter. The tooth is preserved without any discomfort and without anesthetic numbness needed.

Air abrasion method requires wearing protective glasses during the procedure. To serve as a particle barrier, a rubber dam may be applied inside the mouth and around the tooth area being treated. Air abrasion method can leave a pile of harmless, dusty particle debris in the patient’s mouth which results in a coarse feeling that is eliminated by rinsing. In the procedure of air abrasion, a vacuum hose or a water spray technique may be used by the dentist to reduce dust accumulation.

Air abrasion is a good alternative for children who are afraid of the needle and the noise and vibration of a regular dental drill. Air abrasion is suitable for everyone. However, air abrasion can’t be used as an option in every procedure of some treatments like crown and bridge preparation which still require the use of a dental drill.

The dentist provides air abrasion treatment; the dentist who actually knows if the procedure of air abrasion is right for the patient; the dentist, who has a specialization and who is well-trained in dentistry methods and techniques. Air Abrasion is great for kids and adults, a procedure that almost never hurts!

DR. JOHN CHAVES
5312 Comercio Lane, Suite A
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone 818-999-2707
Fax 818-703-1998
appointment@cosmeticdentalservices.com