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The
introduction of air abrasion dentistry and the development of “Carisolv”
– a decay dissolving gel – means that it is now possible
to do SOME fillings without having to remove decay with the dental
drill. The combined techniques are accurate and gentle and in many
cases can be undertaken without the need for an injection.
How
does air abrasion work?
In
simple terms air abrasion works in a similar way to a micro sand
blasting machine. Our machine, the Abradent DV-1, can accurately
remove hard tooth substance without the noise, heat and smell of
conventional dental drills. It is most effective and beneficial
when used to detect and treat the small areas of hidden decay which
are becoming more common with the widespread use of fluoride in
toothpastes and mouthwashes.
The great benefit of the DV-1 machine is that
the air pressure and powder concentration of the air stream can
be accurately adjusted so that many treatments can be completed
without the need for an injection.
Once the hard outer shell of the tooth has
been removed and the softer, more rubbery decay exposed the machine
becomes less effective as the small particles tend to bounce off
the rubbery decay rather than abrade it away. This is why the machine
is used alongside the Carisolv technique.
Will
air abrasion replace the drill altogether?
Unfortunately
not; the technique cannot be used to remove old amalgam (silver)
fillings and it cannot be used to prepare teeth for crowns or bridges.
It is, however, highly effective for the removal of old composite
(tooth coloured) filling.
How
will I know if it can be used on me?
You
will need to arrange an initial consultation appointment when all
your current dental needs and wants can be discovered and discussed.
What
is Carisolv?
Carisolv
is a gel which softens and dissolves decayed tooth substance making
it easier to scoop out of the tooth. Small hand instruments do need
to be used as a part of this technique to remove the decay which
has been softened but not dissolved.
Is
the treatment rapid?
Both
these treatments do take somewhat longer than conventional drilling
and this will vary from tooth to tooth. However, as often no time
is required for an injection and the time necessary for the injection
to work, the total visit time is generally comparable to the conventional
treatment approach.
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