Air Abrasion A dental drill is a very common tool used to perform a number of different treatments, including removing decay from teeth and preparing cavities for fillings. While drills are extremely common and highly effective, they often trigger fear and anxiety for many patients. Just the sound of a drill turning on can cause an anxious patient to become tense and unable to sit still, issues that can interfere with performing safe, effective treatment. Pacific Modern Dentistry can perform many of the same tasks that typically require a dental drill with air abrasion.What is Air Abrasion?Air abrasion is a dental technique that involves the use of a small tool that resembles a tiny sandblaster. This tool can take the place of a dental drill in many situations, offering you a drill-less alternative. The air abrasion tool blasts a fine stream of tiny particles of aluminum oxide to achieve the goal. Air abrasion works with kinetic energy, rather than the mechanical energy used with a dental drill. This kinetic energy means that less friction is generated. It also helps to eliminate the need for a local anesthetic is certain situations. For instance, decay can be blasted painlessly away from small cavities. As the tool is used, a vacuum hose is used to pick up the aluminum oxide particles as well as any other debris the particles removed. The Benefits of Air AbrasionAir abrasion provides several significant benefits.
What Can Air Abrasion Not Do?While air abrasion can be used in many different situations, there are certain situations in which it cannot be used:
Is Air Abrasion Safe?Air abrasion is both very safe and very effective. Before we begin, you are provided with special eyewear that helps to keep particles from blowing into your eyes. A special resin is also applied to your gums and teeth around the treatment area to avoid potential harm and irritation. Additionally, a small vacuum tube is used to suck up the particles and other debris, which prevents you from inhaling them. With air abrasion, we can provide you with a drill-less alternative for many different procedures, which can help to ease anxiety and fear. For more information about air abrasion, and if it is right for you, call Pacific Modern Dentistry today at (206)284-4505. |
 Office Hours
Monday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM Location
2046 Westlake Ave. N. Suite 204 Seattle, WA 98109-2700 Contact Office: (206)284-4505 Fax: (206) 284-4757  |
