Chicago Air Abrasion Dentistry in Lakeview & South Loop

A dental drill may not be the only option for removing tooth decay. In some cases, a new method called air abrasion provides an alternative to the traditional dental drill, proving beneficial to many of our patients.
Air abrasion uses a process that is similar to a mini-sandblaster, as it “sandblasts” the tooth to rapidly remove tooth decay and enamel—all without the use of a dental drill. This new technological advancement uses a pressurized stream of minute, non-toxic, abrasive powder to remove the decay. The air abrasion tool can blow a powerful air stream of tiny aluminum oxide particles out of its tip onto the tooth that then bounce off the tooth and blast away any decay.
Compared to a traditional dental drill, air abrasion’s advantages include reductions in noise, heat, vibration, and sensitivity. For many patients, the procedure requires little or no anesthesia.
Although air abrasion cannot always substitute for the dental drill, it can be an effective device. The instrument is safe, but we recommend wearing protective eyewear and the use of a rubber dam in order to protect the nearby teeth and gums that aren’t being treated.

Uses

Air abrasion is used to prepare teeth for composites or fillings and it also helps to repair cracks and discolored teeth. Other uses include:

• If you need to have your teeth prepared for bonding procedures, such as sealants.
• Removing old composite restorations, but not metallic restorations such as silver amalgam fillings.
• Removing superficial stains and tooth discolorations.

Air abrasion is ideal for children and others who are fearful of the dentist and tool noises and have minimal decay.