Air abrasion dentistry

After practicing in the Dallas–Fort Worth area for more than twenty years, Dr. White has noticed there is one technological development that patients appreciate more than any other—air abrasion.

For many, visiting the dentist evokes the classic image of a doctor drilling into a tooth, a thought that even most adults aren’t thrilled about. Even though a drill in the hands of a trained professional is nothing to be worried about, Dr. White’s patients are very happy to hear that the team prefers to use air abrasion.

The modern method of using air to remove the decayed portion of tooth in preparation for a filling has replaced the drill for many procedures, and it’s just one of the things that makes Dr. White’s practice unique.

How Does Air Abrasion Work?

Air abrasion is most often likened to a miniature sand blaster. Prior to treatment, we’ll use a rubber dam or a protective resin to guard the other areas of the mouth. Compressed air shoots a tiny stream of aluminum oxide particles and water at the damaged surface of the tooth, and a small vacuum sucks up the materials.

Air abrasion is a very efficient yet conservative method to prepare teeth for fillings (and other procedures). Patients love it because it is quiet and fast. You’ll feel no pressure, no heat, and no vibrations like you would from a drill. The procedure is so gentle that local anesthetics often aren’t required.

Is Air Abrasion Safe?

Air abrasion is very safe. There are fewer things that can go wrong with air abrasion than with normal drilling, and the process leaves more of your healthy tooth tissue behind. There is significantly less discomfort with air abrasion, and best of all, there is no drilling into your teeth.

Is Air Abrasion Right for Me?

Anxious dental patient

Air abrasion allows us to treat multiple sites in one visit, meaning fewer visits for patients that have multiple teeth in need of treatment. Air abrasion is an especially great alternative for those who are anxious about dental drills.

This procedure is great for treating Stage 1 decay on the chewing surface of teeth, preparing teeth for bonding or sealants, or even removing stains and discoloration. Air abrasion is not used for situations where there is decay between teeth, or when the amount of decay is too great.

Developments in air abrasion offer dental patients a great alternative to traditional drilling, using a procedure that preserves as much of the tooth as possible. There is no other treatment that is as comfortable for the patient as air abrasion, especially since it removes the need for the anxiety-causing drill.

No heat, pain, or vibrations. Just better dentistry.

To learn more about air abrasion dentistry from Dr. Marea White, contact her at 817-283-0047, newwave@mareawhitedds.com or check out the website at www.mareawhitedds.com.