Air Abrasion Emeryville

Air Abrasion tooth restoration is the new and minimally invasive dental technique used to quickly and safely remove tooth decay.

What is Air Abrasion?

Many people suffer from anxiety associated with having to make a trip to the dentist’s office. Air abrasion provides many benefits and can even help reduce some of those anxieties!

It is a fast, and effective alternative to traditional dental procedures that require a drill.

The goal of air abrasion is to be able to find and remove early signs of tooth decay, while also preserving your natural tooth. Combining air abrasion and composite resin filling treatments can help protect the tooth from further harm while quickly and effectively helping to restore tooth strength and function.

As anesthetic is not typically required for the air abrasion procedure, our doctors are able to treat multiple teeth during a single appointment.

During air abrasion treatment, the section of your tooth with decay is targeted by a fine stream of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture. The stream of particles work on the decay like a small sandblaster, helping to loosen all of it from the tooth’s surface.

Dr. Haynes, Dr. Amani, or Dr. Zuess-Heller can then remove that decay by rinsing and suctioning it away.

What’s Involved in an Air Abrasion Procedure?

Air abrasion, like many procedures, is not always a good fit for every patient. Air Abrasion is best suited for children, patients who suffer from dental anxiety, and patients with minimal dental decay.

Prior to air abrasion treatment, Dr. Haynes, Dr. Amani, or Dr. Zuess-Heller will carefully examine and evaluate whether the treatment is an effective option for your teeth. Only after this is determined, can an air abrasion appointment be scheduled.

Dental air abrasion can be used instead of a dental drill for many treatments, including:

• Prepping cavities for fillings
• Prepping teeth for bonding or sealants
• Removal of old composite restorations
• Removal of plaque and or tooth decay
• Removal of shallow stains and other discoloration

What are the Benefits of Air Abrasion?

Air abrasion can often be used in more than just cases of tooth decay such as: preparing teeth for sealants, removing surface stains, and removing preexisting composite fillings.

The air abrasion procedure will leave teeth too smooth for the adherence of metal, so it is important to note that amalgam and silver fillings cannot be used with air abrasion. Following air abrasion, only composite fillings will be applied.

Some of the main benefits of air abrasion treatments are:

• No unnecessary pressure, vibration, or sounds.
• The need for anesthesia is reduced, especially when the cavity is superficial
• Leaves more of the natural tooth and healthy tissue behind
• Reduces the risk of fracturing and chipping teeth
• Multiple sites can be treated in a single visit

If you have additional questions about the air abrasion procedure, or how it could benefit you, speak to either Dr. Haynes, Dr. Amani, or Dr. Zuess-Heller at your next appointment, or give us a call!