Air Abrasion![]() What Is Air Abrasion and What Does It Involve?Air Abrasion is a teeth restoration procedure that treats decay without requiring drilling. The procedure uses small particles – made of aluminum oxide, silica, and baking powder—to remove the decaying parts of a tooth by “spraying them away.” To achieve this effect, the particles are thrust towards the surface of the teeth by compressed air. When the particles strike the decaying parts, they dislodge them, and those that remain are loose enough to be suctioned. In addition to treating decay, air abrasion is used for other restorative dental procedures. For example, it is used to remove existing composite fillings or to prepare teeth for bonding procedures. It can also be used to treat discoloration and repair cracked, chipped, broken, or fractured teeth and crowns. Who Can Benefit From Air Abrasion?Air Abrasion is an alternative tooth decay treatment procedure that is ideal for people who are fearful of drilling, particularly the children. The procedure is also perfect if you are suffering from minimal decay—where drilling would be of no additional use. How Safe Is the Procedure?Air Abrasion offers several advantages when treating tooth decay:
There are also some drawbacks to using air abrasion. While air abrasion is a great procedure with several advantages, it does have some drawbacks. To start with, the pressure of the compressed particles being propelled directly to the surface of your teeth, combined with the chemical composition of the particles, can cause sensitivity. Also, the procedure cannot be used deep cavities that have spread to the pulp—it is only effective for decay on the surface of the teeth. Are you nervous about having your teeth drilled? Well, worry no more. With air abrasion, you can have your teeth treated for decay in a faster, quieter, and painless procedure. Call us, The Dentists at North Cypress, at (281) 664-8100 to find out more about the air abrasion procedure. |
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