Air Abrasion

Air
Abrasion is a way of treating teeth without having to drill. Patients
like the near absence of noise, and the total absence of vibration.
There is never any burning smell as the teeth cannot get hot. Properly
used, air abrasion often does not require a 'shot.' You can imagine how
pleased patients are when they find they can have treatment without an
injection, and feel no pain.
The buzz words in surgery now are 'minimally
invasive.' If someone is clearly at risk from decay, and the bugs are
winning, how nice to have the option of 'micro dentistry' using air
abrasion! The air abrasion device may be used to gently remove the areas
of very early decay before the hole can even be seen. Children benefit
especially, as they feel so little, and the extra cleaning means that
their fissure sealants are placed quickly. Much smaller holes can be
filled earlier in this way, rather than waiting until the hole is much
bigger, or worse, cutting lots of healthy tooth to get to a small hole.
Parents are always impressed when the technology is
demonstrated, and those who hate needles or drills are truly
appreciative. It's not a panacea for everything, but it's a great extra
option for our patients.