Air Abrasion Technology
Dr. Quint practices biomimetic dentistry, which like in other types of health care, has utilized new technology to lessen the bodily (or tooth) impact of eliminating and treating disease. In the instance of tooth decay, one of the new advances in modern dentistry is a tool that uses pressurized air and a focused stream of abrasive powder to remove early (incipient) decay.
Micro Air Abrasion Technology for Pain-Free Dentistry
Air abrasion, which is sometimes called “micro-dentistry” is a method of “drill free” dentistry used not only to remove staining and decay in enamel and dentin, but to prepare teeth for sealants. Its a pain-free procedure, similar in effect to laser dentistry.
In the event that you do need local anesthetics or more advanced oral surgery, we offer several different types of sedation procedures for phobic patients who are afraid of the dentist. We will also make sure you’re aware of preventative care techniques you can use to prevent tooth decay in the future.
"The Journal of the American Dental Association recently compared lasers and air abrasion and found that when preparing a tooth for sealants, air abrasion increased the bond strength, increasing retention. This minimally invasive procedure is safe for children and adults and is used instead of the traditional rotating ‘drill’. In most (but not all) occasions this air abrasion technology can remove decay without the need of local anesthetics (numbing shots)."
—Dr. Quint
Traditional drilling can remove more material than is needed, making air abrasion technology more conservative of the original teeth. When you couple that with its pain-free nature and the increased longevity of sealants over laser treatment, it makes micro air abrasion a strong option. Laser treatment is best for initiating the healing process, for gum recontouring, and even for treatment of oral ulcers with minimal post operative pain.
Dr. Quint has written an article on why you might be getting so many cavities.
Read what we do for patients who are terrified of the dentist.