Air abrasion
Working to eliminate your fear of the dentist
The air abrasion technique is often described as dentistry without the drill. For the many people who fear going to the dentist, it’s the thought of the dentist’s drill that feeds their anxiety. You can probably hear the sound of that high-pitched whine of the drill right now just thinking about it!
While we can’t eliminate the need to clean out your cavity completely at our Macomb County, Michigan, dental practice, air abrasion is an effective alternative to the conventional dentist’s drill and a quiet method that eases the worries of our more sensitive patients. We’ve also found that air abrasion is great for the children who visit our practice, hopefully preventing them from ever developing a fear of the dentist.
So how does this “non-drill” work if it isn’t digging into your cavity? Think of the air abrasion technique as gentle mini-sandblasting. We are able to remove tooth decay using compressed air and an abrasive powder, eliminating the pressure, heat, vibration, and – most importantly – sound of the drill.
If your cavity is shallow, the air abrasion technique can also eliminate the need for anesthesia – though you can opt for an anesthetic if this helps to calm your nerves. Plus, the air can sometimes cause sensitivity.
The advantages of the air abrasion technique are many for you, the patient, and Dr. Beckwell and our Michigan dental practice. This relatively simple and quick procedure can sometimes allow us to treat multiple sites in your mouth in one visit to our office. Beyond cavities, air abrasion can also be used to help repair cracked, chipped, worn, or discolored teeth and prepare teeth for cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Want help figuring out if the air abrasion technique is right for you? Contact our Shelby Township dentist office or St. Clair Shores dental office to schedule a consultation and learn more about the air abrasion technique.
