Kingston Air Abrasion Glossary

Air abrasion is a relatively new technology used as an alternative to the dentist's drill in many dental procedures. Air abrasion is one of the best methods of cleaning out cavities.

It works like a microscopic precise sandblaster, where tiny, harmless particles of aluminum oxide are propelled against the tooth, removing tooth decay. Air abrasion is primarily used for treating small to medium sized cavities, preparing teeth for dental sealants, and removing stains from the surface of the teeth. For shallow cavities, there is no need for an anesthetic, although the air and the abrasive powder can cause some sensitivity.

Thanks to its precision and gentleness, the air abrasion unit allows dentists to treat cavities at early stages without as much removal of healthy tooth, thereby helping to preserve the strength of your teeth. Air abrasion is used to prepare teeth for the placement of the tooth-colored resin fillings, and with air abrasion those fillings can be placed faster than ever before. Besides tooth-colored fillings, the air abrasion is used in a number of cosmetic procedures such as veneers, inlays and onlays.

Air abrasion cannot be used for everything, though. It’s not used for gum treatment, preparing crowns, shaping the roots during root canal therapy, removing soft decay found in deep cavities and other dental procedures. As for amalgam fillings, they require accurate cuts made by the drill into the tooth to prevent the amalgam filling from falling out, thus drill-less dentistry can not be applied for this type of fillings.

One of the advantages of air abrasion is that you don't really hear any noise. Other aspect of this method that many patients appreciate is its comfort. The system greatly reduces heat and vibration – the two sources of discomfort that many patients associate with fillings.

During the air abrasion procedure you will be asked to wear special glasses to protect your eyes from irritation. As an added precaution, the dentist will sometimes use a rubber dam to shield off parts of your mouth that are not being treated.

The use of the air abrasion technique enables the dentists to practice minimally - invasive dentistry or "MID" and this technique is most useful with anxious patients. Anyone that is fearful of drilling is relieved if their cavities can be treated painlessly and without a needle or drill. With air abrasion, the dentists can also treat children without the two things they fear most – the needle and the drill.

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