Air Abrasion is an alternative to the dental drill. It works a lot like a mini sandblaster. Air Abrasion is most often used to prepare teeth for composite, or “tooth-colored,” fillings. It can also be used to repair chipped, fractured or worn teeth, remove stains, and prepare teeth for sealants.
Air Abrasion is not new. It was invented in the 1940s, but did not become practical until the 1990s. As little as ten years ago, fewer than 20% of dentists used air abrasion.
There are many benefits to Air Abrasion. Unlike a dental drill, Air Abrasion produces no vibrations, no burning smell, and no high-pitched drill noise. Air Abrasion can often be used without anesthesia, thereby eliminating needle anxiety and that “fat lip” feeling.
Another advantage is that Air Abrasion removes only the decayed portion of a tooth. This leaves a larger amount of healthy tooth structure intact than is possible with a dental drill. Air Abrasion is also quick. Most Air Abrasion procedures can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes.
Both the Food and Drug Administration and the American Dental Association have approved air Abrasion. It is so safe it can be used on small children and pregnant women.
Dr. Troy Van Pelt has been successfully using Air Abrasion for over 9 years, and has perfected many of its uses. Dr. Van Pelt’s use of Air Abrasion helps many people feel more comfortable with dental treatment. This improved comfort level leads to less anxiety about visits to our office for routine care, which in turn allows us to catch many problems while they are still small.
We think you will be pleased with this proven technology and we welcome your questions and the chance to see if you are a candidate for Air Abrasion. Air Abrasion is just one of the ways we provide gentle care to people of all ages.
