What Are the Three Ways in Which Air Abrasion Can Help You?

What Is Air Abrasion in Dentistry?

It is a minimally invasive dental technique that uses a stream of compressed air and fine abrasive particles to remove decayed portions of teeth and eliminate surface stains. Air abrasion near you is an alternative technique to traditional drilling, often useful for addressing small cavities or preparing teeth for cosmetic procedures such as bonding or veneers.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

Before the procedure, your dentist will prepare you by covering your eyes with protective glasses and placing a rubber dam or protective barrier around the area of treatment. These preventive measures protect you from the abrasive particles, preventing them from entering your mouth or throat.

During air abrasion, the dentist near you directs a fine stream of aluminium oxide or baking soda particles onto the affected area of the tooth. These particles are propelled by compressed air to create a gentle sandblasting effect that removes the damaged or decayed tooth structure, often without the need for anaesthetic.

As the dentist applies the abrasive particles to your mouth, (s)he uses a high-volume suction device to remove the particles and excess debris from your mouth. The next step entails using a polishing agent to smooth the tooth surface and improve its appearance. If you require a dental restoration like a filling, the dentist will apply it, then use lasers to strengthen the bond.

Uses of Air Abrasion

Although air abrasion is a versatile dental technique that can be used for several purposes, it may not be suitable for all dental procedures. Your dentist will determine the best approach for treatment based on your needs, including:

1. Removing decayed or damaged tooth structure – especially in the early stages of a cavity when it is still small. The technique helps preserve healthy tooth structure and avoids the need for more invasive procedures such as a root canal.
2. Preparing teeth for fillings – air abrasion can prepare teeth for restoration with dental fillings, including composite fillings and amalgam fillings. The preparation entails roughening the surface of the tooth structure to ensure a strong bond with the dental filling.
3. Removing surface stains – dentists at Dipika T. Shah, DDS, LLC, use air abrasion to eliminate surface stains from teeth, usually, those caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and other substances. The technique can restore teeth’ natural colour and improve your overall smile’s appearance.
4. Preparing teeth for cosmetic procedures – many cosmetic dentists in Holmdel, NJ, today use air abrasion to prepare teeth for dental bonding and veneers. The air abrasion creates a smooth and even surface for the bonding material or dental veneer, resulting in a more long-lasting and sturdy restoration.
5. Removing old fillings or sealants – when you need to repair or replace your initial tooth filling, dentists near you can use air abrasion to remove the old material, such as fillings or sealants. The procedure will remove worn-out or damaged restorations while preserving the integrity of your tooth structure to prepare the tooth for a new restoration.

Benefits of Dental Air Abrasion to Your Oral Health

A dental air abrasion is a valuable tool in modern dentistry that can provide several benefits for patients, including:

1. Minimally invasive technique – allows your dentist to remove decay or surface stains without drilling. Therefore, there is less damage to the surrounding healthy tooth structure, preserving overall tooth strength and integrity.
2. Reduced discomfort – compared to traditional drilling, air abrasion is less painful and uncomfortable. In fact, some patients do not require anesthesia to undergo the procedure.
3. Less heat and vibration than traditional drilling – can help minimize the risk of tooth damage, sensitivity, and discomfort during dental procedures.
4. Versatility – air abrasion can perform various dental procedures without compromising effectiveness or lowering success rates.
5. Better results – your dentist near you will achieve better results, particularly for cosmetic procedures, due to the precision of the air abrasion technique. Dentists enjoy more accurate removal of tooth material, resulting in a better fit and improved appearance of the final restoration.