At Southern California Dental Health Associates we pride ouselves on trying to provide the greatest variety of treatment options for our patients. Air abrasion is a drill-less technique that is very similar to a mini sandblaster and is used to treat small cavities. A fine stream of particles made of silicon, are propelled toward the tooth surface by compressed gas. Small particles of decay on the tooth are removed as the stream hits it and are suctioned away.
Air Abrasion is very safe, the only precaution being the need to wear protective glasses to prevent any eye irritation from the spray.
The advantages of air abrasion compared to traditional drilling are many and include, but are not limited to:
Minimal loss of healthy tooth structure, usually no anesthesia is needed, there is no heat, sound or vibration involved which reduces microfracturing of teeth and most importantly, air abrasion is fast.
Another use of Air Abrasion is to prepare teeth for sealants. We have found Air Abrasion to be the best system on the market to allow for what we call Super Sealants.
We have been using air abrasion for over 15 years at Southern California Dental Health Associates and have found it to be ideal for treating the early stages of cavity formation. However, there are some limitations to its use and can not be used for removal of old metal fillings.
If you have any questions about this technology just call us and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.