Dr. F.D. Ramirez, D.D.S

7052 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568
Tel: 925-556-9994 | Fax: 556-6710
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Topic of Interest > Drill-less Dentistry

Air Abrasion

What is Air Abrasion?

Air Abrasion is a cavity preparation process that uses a fine abrasive powder, called aluminum oxide, carried through pressurized air to cut tooth surfaces and remove decay. Some powder residue will be left in your mouth. It may feel gritty, but easily rinses out with water. The powder itself has no taste and is not harmful if you accidentally swallow it.

   Before/After

What are the differences between Air Abrasion and conventional drilling?

Both air abrasion and conventional drilling methods achieve the same result, cavity preparation and treatment. Some of the more obvious differences you'll notice with air abrasion are:

• Air abrasion has a quieter, more soothing sound.
• Air abrasion is usually faster than normal conventional drilling because many people find it tolerable without anesthetic.
• Air abrasion is able to explore stains to catch and treat minor decay before it spreads.
• Because you probably won't need an anesthetic, your doctor may be able to treat several cavities in one visit.

Air abrasion can be used in many of the same procedures as conventional drilling methods. Because air abrasion is able to remove much smaller sections of tooth material, it is particularly appropriate for treating small areas of decay or cavities in the earliest stages. By eliminating smaller amounts of tooth material, more of your healthy enamel is left intact. Your dentist will continue to use the conventional dental drill for larger cavities and restorations.

Is it safe?

Absolutely. The tiny abrasive particles are pure aluminum oxide, a biocompatible substance long used in medicine and food. In fact it is a prime ingredient in several whitening toothpastes. Due to the speed and efficiency of the AirTouch system, only a very small quantity is used. Most of the abrasive particles are quickly removed by the dental assistant with the highly efficient vacuum system.

Safety goggles are used to protect your eyes during treatment and a barrier will occasionally be used to protect other teeth not being treated.

Will I need a shot?

Most people find Air Touch tolerable without any anesthetic. What you can expect to feel is a cool sensation that gradually increases to cold, but is not painful. Remember, you will feel something because you will not be numb, but it should not be painful.

When can Air Touch be used instead of conventional drilling?

Air Touch can be used in many of the same procedures as conventional drilling methods. Because Air Touch is able to remove much smaller sections of tooth material, it is particularly appropriate for treating small areas of decay or cavities in the earliest stages. By eliminating smaller amounts of tooth material, more of your healthy enamel is left intact. We will continue to use the conventional dental drill for larger cavities and restorations.

How will the cavity be filled?

Only tooth-colored, composite filling material is used in air abrasion procedures. Silver-colored, or amalgam filling material is not used, since the rounded preparation made with air abrasion is not able to hold the amalgam material securely. This leaves your tooth looking very natural, as if you did not have a cavity at all.

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