Air Abrasion Technology for Cavity Care

by Richard Caven Dentist

The next time you need to have a cavity filled, ask your dentist if he uses air abrasion technology. If the cavity is not too serious, you may be able to get in and out of the dentist’s chair much faster with a lot less anxiety.

What is Air Abrasion Technology?

Think of the air abrasion procedure as your dentist using a mini sandblaster to get rid of tooth decay. Instead of a drill, the dentist uses a high-powered blast of air which contains tiny particles of silica, baking soda or aluminum oxide to gently blast away tooth decay, leaving a smooth surface for the filling material to adhere.

While you may be concerned with the safety of this procedure, rest assured that it is perfect safe. The risk of swallowing the particles is minimal due to a powerful suction device that is placed inside the mouth during the procedure. There is also little risk of irritation in other areas of the mouth because a protective device is used to cover sensitive areas. In addition, the patient and the doctor both wear protective eyewear in case errant blast particles find their way out of the mouth.

Advantages of Air Abrasion

Children and patients who fear going to the dentist benefit greatly from the air abrasion procedure for cavity care. Because no drill is used, there is no noise, pressure, heat or vibration that typically accompanies traditional cavity treatment. There is also no need for pain relievers or anesthetic for shallow cavities. The procedure is so simple; patients spend less time in the dentist’s office when air abrasion is used.

From the dentist’s point of view, using air abrasion reduces the risk of fracturing or chipping a patient’s tooth while treating the cavity, and because the procedure is quick and easy, he can often address multiple problems in one visit.

Disadvantages of Air Abrasion

While air abrasion is an effective and safe cavity-care procedure, it does have some disadvantages that may make it unsuitable for some dental patients.

If the cavity is so deep that it is close to the pulp of the tooth, air abrasion is not recommended. It is best suited for shallow cavities on the surface of the teeth. In addition, because air abrasion creates such a smooth surface, only composite-based fillings adhere properly. Due to the blast material’s properties, amalgam and silver fillings are not applicable.

Many dental patients fear traditional cavity treatment because of the pain associated with the procedure. Air abrasion may not be pain-free in some instances because the blast particles can still irritate sensitive areas of the mouth.

To find out if you are an ideal candidate for the air abrasion technology, and whether your insurance covers the procedure, call your local dentist.