A. Air Abrasion is a gentle spray of an air-and-powder mix that removes tooth decay.

A. Almost never! By controlling the speed and the intensity of both the powder and the air, your dentist can make the procedure virtually painless. Since a shot is not necessary in most cases, you will not have numb or drooping lips after your dental procedure. The art and science of dentistry have changed, offering a no needle, no drill, no fear procedure for removing the decay.

A. Since Air Abrasion is achieved by directing a thin stream of abrasive powder at the area of tooth decay, your dentist removes only minimal sections of tooth – only the decayed area. Until now, all the dentist had to use was that noisy drill. But it was so big – comparison to our beam of powder – that it could remove some healthy tooth structure. Air abrasion allows for very small cavity preparations and is part of what is called Micro-Dentistry.

A. Micro-Dentistry is the philosophy and practice of finding and treating decay as early as possible, of removing as little tooth structure as possible, of making the smallest possible restorations (fillings) and of assuring that those restorations are esthetically pleasing and long lasting. Micro-Dentistry is a broader term than air abrasion. Air abrasion is the part of the procedure that removes the decay and prepares the tooth for restoration.

A. At the slightest hint of tooth decay, the dentist will use the Laser Cavity Detection device to detect flourescene in enamel. Dentin measurements from the Diagnodent help the dentist find the decay and treat the tooth with preventive therapy.

A. Immediately and minimally. Early detection means early treatment. We’re talking about decay here, tooth rot! Why wait for it to spread, wait for the cavity to get bigger? Your dentist can take care of it today, giving you healthier teeth before you leave the office.

A. The Air Abrasion device that we use instead of the drill is the KREATIV system. Its technology eliminates the odors, noise, vibration, micro-cracks and, in most cases, the shot associated with the drill.

A. This is the beautiful part – literally! Your dentist will fill that cavity with a nearly invisible, non-mercury filling, making the entire tooth strong.

A. Absolutely! Air Abrasion is perfect for children. Most cavities that are detected early can be treated immediately, without a drill and without a needle. The tooth is then restored with natural looking materials to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure. Most children are not even aware of what the dentist is doing. Few dental appointments for the young patient are usually required because with Air Abrasion many more procedures can be completed in a single appointment.

A. Besides removing decay, Air Abrasion works well in these procedures:

• Repairing chipped, fractured or worn teeth
• Preparing for cosmetic dentistry
• Removing stains and spots
• Repairing old fillings and sealants
• Repairing broken crowns and bridges