March 12, 2007, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills - Modern science has finally come up with an alternative to the dreaded dental drill. Among other advantages, air abrasion, or microabrasion, technology eradicates the whining-whir of the drill that sets many nerves on edge.
Air abrasion works much like the sandblasting process used to clean walls or remove graffiti. A handpiece blows a powerful air-stream of minute, aluminum-oxide particles on the tooth.
USES
The device is primarily used to:
• blast decay away;
• prepare cavities for composite restoration;
• repair cracks;
• remove discoloration; and
• prepare tooth surfaces for bonding.
Air abrasion is particularly useful for children who dread the noise, vibration and anesthesia injections of standard dentistry. The process isn't suited to all treatments, however. A standard drill is still required for crown and bridge preparation.
ADVANTAGES
• Air abrasion is virtually painless, eliminating the need for anesthesia injections.
• There is no vibration, and thus no friction-created heat.
• It won't harm the soft tissue of your mouth.
• Less tooth material is removed than with a standard drill.
• Risk of enamel micro-fracturing is reduced.
• Treatment time usually is shorter.
• No whining!
DISADVANTAGES
• Abrasion leaves dusty, harmless particle debris in the mouth, easily eliminated by rinsing.
• Safety glasses are recommended during the procedure.
• Your dentist may insert a rubber dam in your mouth and around the area being treated.
• A vacuum hose or water spray may be used to reduce dust buildup.
LEARN MORE
Call top cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser today at 1.310.550.0383 or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about air-abrasion technology.
Copyright © 2007 Sinai Marketing, Inc. and Dr. Anthony Mobasser. All rights reserved
