The field of dentistry has benefited greatly from advances in technology. One advance that has revolutionized many dental procedures is the air brush, or air abrasion, device. If you hate the sound of a drill, are afraid of needles, or have sensitive teeth, you will love air brush technology.
What is Air Brush Technology?
Air abrasion is a technique that we use in many dental procedures instead of using a drill. With air brush technology, tiny aluminum oxide particles are shot out of a small-diameter nozzle toward specific areas of the tooth — much like sandblasting a rough surface. Air brush treatments are safe, and the particles and debris are suctioned away so you don’t have to worry about them getting in your lungs.
There are several reasons that patients and our team love air brush. They include:
- Minimally invasive
Drills are not as precise and remove more enamel from the tooth than air abrasion. By adjusting the air pressure and nozzle size, an air brush can access areas that would be difficult for a drill to reach. Air brush treatment leaves more healthy tooth and tissue behind, which protects the tooth and speeds up any healing. - No heat, pressure, vibration, or whining sound
Just hearing a drill can send shivers of dread down the spine of many patients. That’s not a concern with the air brush. No friction or pressure means more comfort to you. - No needles
Because the air brush doesn’t generate heat, is so precise and non-invasive, and is best suited for shallow cavities and superficial cosmetic dentistry, anaesthesia is rarely required. Air brush treatments are perfect for children (or adults) who may have a fear of the dentist because there is less stress, more comfort, and typically it is painless.
Some situations where air brush treatment is ideal include removing old composite restorations or preparing a tooth for a new composite restoration, preparing a tooth surface for bonding or sealant, removing surface stains or discoloration, removal of shallow cavities, and the detection of pit and fissure caries.
We Use Air Brush Technology
Dr. Sorkin believes in technology that helps us be more efficient and helps you have a more comfortable experience while you are in the chair — and air abrasion technology does just that. If you are in the Spotswood, New Jersey area, call for an appointment and discover what our caring, minimally-invasive dentistry, which includes the use of air brush technology, can do for you.
