Microabrasion
We offer Dental Microabrasion which allows us to prepare small cavities with no drilling or freezing.
Microabrasion, or air abrasion, is a newer technique that is being used by dentists to remove tooth decay.
A very safe procedure, microabrasion uses an instrument that works like a mini-sandblaster by spraying away decay. This procedure will require the patient to wear protective eyewear, to prevent eye irritation from the spray, as well as a rubber dam in the mouth. The rubber dam is simply a thin sheet that fits around teeth to protect nearby teeth and gum areas that aren’t being treated during microabrasion.
Using a dental instrument, the dentist sprays a fine stream of particles over the decayed portion of the tooth or teeth. These particles are propelled toward the tooth's surface by compressed air that runs through the dental handpiece. As the stream of particles strikes them, small particles of decay on the tooth surface are removed. The particles of decay are then "suctioned" away.
Compared with the traditional drilling method, microabrasion has many advantages:
- The procedure generates no heat, sound, pressure or vibration.
- It reduces the need for anesthesia, particularly if the cavity is shallow.
- It leaves much more of the healthy tooth tissue behind.
- It leaves the working area relatively dry, which is an advantage during the placement of composite fillings.
- It reduces the risk of microfracturing and chipping of the tooth, which some experts believe can lead to premature restorative failures.
- It allows the dentist to treat multiple sites in the mouth during a single visit.
- The procedure is relatively simple and quick.
After the grooves of the teeth have been cleaned out, bonding is then applied along with a white micro-filling that seals the groove of the tooth to prevent further decay. Microabrasion is primarily used on children and teenagers but can be used for any age of patient with a small cavity or as a preventative procedure to prevent decay in the first place. For more information, please read about sealants on our Child Dentistry page.