Air abrasion is a new and innovative method of treatment used as an alternative to the traditional dental drill. It’s a minimally invasive method that can treat many types of dental problems. We’re happy to offer it here at El Segundo Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics.
Air abrasion is a drill-less method of removing tooth decay using a thin stream of compressed air combined with microparticles of aluminum oxide or silica. It is less invasive and causes less pain and anxiety than traditional dental drills. Sometimes air abrasion is referred to as microabrasion.
The primary use of air abrasion is the preparation of teeth for fillings. That is, it’s primarily used to remove tooth decay. It can also be used to remove enamel stains and defects, to detect pitting, and to remove old composite fillings. New uses for air abrasion are being developed all the time.
Air abrasion has many advantages over the traditional dental drill. Most importantly, it does not produce the same amount of noise, smells, or vibration, which helps children and people with dental anxiety feel more comfortable. It also causes less pain, so anesthesia is often not needed.
Procedures using air abrasion are faster than those using a traditional drill. Air abrasion is also a cost-effective treatment. More of the natural tooth is left untouched and there is less risk of additional damage to the teeth. The tooth doesn’t get wet when air abrasion is used versus with a drill, which makes the placement of fillings easier.
Multiple teeth can be treated in the same visit, reducing the number of follow-up visits to the El Segundo office needed to restore your teeth.
The only risks of using air abrasion are eye damage and damage to surrounding teeth. We mitigate these risks by providing you with protective eyewear and using a rubber dam to protect your other teeth. The dental assistant will also suction away excess particles.
There are no side effects with air abrasion. It’s also a much more comfortable procedure than having traditional drilling performed.
Air abrasion works in the same way a sandblaster does, only in a much smaller and gentler form. Compressed air is combined with the microparticles and sprayed on the affected area, where it will gently wear away the decay.
The procedure is often, but not always, pain-free and requires no or less anesthesia than traditional drilling.
Unfortunately, it is not. Air abrasion can’t be used on deep cavities, on cavities in between your teeth, or to prepare your teeth for dental crowns, onlays, or inlays. It also isn’t appropriate for patients with certain medical conditions or certain types of recent dental work.
Sometimes air abrasion can be combined with traditional drilling for deep cavities. Please ask your provider at the El Segundo office if air abrasion is an option for you before your next procedure.
Air abrasion is normally covered by your dental insurance at the same level as traditional drilling. Your out-of-pocket cost will be determined by the extent of the decay and how much your insurance will cover. We offer payment arrangements and financing options to help you afford your treatments and will be happy to discuss them with you if you would like.
Do You Want to Find Out if Air Abrasion Is a Treatment Option for You?
Call El Segundo Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics at (424) 277-2671 and make an appointment today!
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