HYDROABRASION & AIR ABRASION
Air Abrasion is a gentle, effective alternative to the standard drill and is a great way to treat small cavities. An air abrasion handpiece sends a powerful air stream of micro abrasive particles that bounce off the tooth and blows decay away. Hydro abrasion adds a powerful stream of warmed water for even faster, more comfortable treatment. The microabrasive particles and water bounce off the tooth healthy tooth and blows decay away. The precision of air abrasion and hydro abrasion allows decay to be treated in its earlier stage. It is also effective in repairing cracks and discolorations, preparing tooth surfaces for bonding, and performing additional procedures. Air and hydro abrasion will even eliminate the need for anesthetic injections in most cases. The procedures are virtually painless, quiet, produce no vibration, no heat from friction and can’t harm soft mouth tissue. Because air and hydro abrasion cuts tooth surfaces with the utmost precision, it removes less tooth than the drill and eliminates enamel micro fracturing that is common with conventional drills. Teeth treated with air abrasion are less susceptible to wear and will last longer.
However some treatments, like crown and bridge preparation or the removal of old fillings, still require the use of a dental drill. Air abrasion can’t be used as an alternative in every procedure.