Air Abrasion

Air abrasion is a way we sometimes use to remove decay from teeth instead of a using a drill.

During air abrasion, a fine stream of particles is aimed at the decayed portion of the tooth. These particles are made of silica, aluminium oxide or a baking soda mixture and are propelled toward the tooth surface by compressed air or a gas that runs through the dental handpiece. Small particles of decay on the tooth surface are removed as the stream of particles strikes them. The particles of decay are then “suctioned” away.

Is air abrasion safe?

Yes, air abrasion is safe. The only precautions needed before air abrasion are protective eye wear (to prevent eye irritation from the spray) and the use of a rubber dam (a rubber sheet that fits around teeth) or protective resin applied to nearby teeth and gums to protect areas of the mouth that aren’t being treated.

What are the advantages of air abrasion?

Compared with the traditional drilling method, the advantages of air abrasion are many and include the following:

Air abrasion generates no heat, sound, pressure, or vibration.
Air abrasion reduces the need for anaesthetic, particularly if the cavity is shallow.
Air abrasion leaves much more of the healthy tooth tissue behind.
Air abrasion leaves the working area relatively dry, which is an advantage during the placement of composite fillings.
Air abrasion reduces the risk of microfracturing and chipping of the tooth, which some experts believe can lead to premature restorative failures.
Air abrasion allows us to treat multiple sites in the mouth during a single visit.
The procedure is relatively simple and quick.

What are the disadvantages?

Air abrasion is not necessarily totally painless. The air can cause sensitivity and so can the abrasives used.
Air abrasion is not recommended for deep cavities (those close to the tooth’s pulp). It is best suited for removing small cavities that form early on the surface of teeth.
Only composite filling material can be used following air abrasion because it adheres well to the smooth surface created by the air abrasion (amalgam or silver fillings require drill-based cuts to prevent the filling from falling out).

Who are the best candidates for air abrasion procedures?

Air abrasion is ideal for use in children and others who are fearful and have minimal decay.

What other types of procedures are performed with air abrasion?

Air abrasion can also be used to:

Remove some old composite restorations, but not metallic restorations such as silver or amalgam fillings
Prepare a tooth surface for bonding or sealants
Remove superficial stains and tooth discolorations

Other General Dental Treatments

PREVENTIVE CARE

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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

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BONDING

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FLEXIBLE DENTURES

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BRIDGES

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CROWNS

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HYGIENIST

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ORAL CANCER SCREENING

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CHILDRENS DENTISTRY

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Testimonials

The Dentist, Hygienist, Dental Nurses & Especially the Receptionist staff are very Polite, Friendly & most importantly they try to fit you in quickly in the event of an emergency. Recently I couldn’t get the time of work for an emergency appointment for my 81 year old Mum so I called an Uber for her & told the receptionist this. The young Black Lady called me when she ordered & place my Mother in a cab – so she went above & beyond her duties with a lot of Customer Care & Respect for my Mother- Thank You so much

Zehra M.

Friendly staff and a very good turn around for appointments , next step to meet the hygienist if he’s as lovely as the rest of the staff it will be great

Wendy D.

Had a tooth out which is never fun, but he was great, never even needed pain killers afterwards

Vince A.

Great service! Im usually so nervous when coming in to the dentist but my dentist was so pleasant and polite ! Dulwich Dental Office will definitely be my dentist for life

Tomike O.

I lost my two front teeth whilst at school and had complications for years. Unfortunately I ended up needing an implant – which I had been avoiding! I wish I had done it sooner. Dr Patel was fantastic and guided me through each stage. He was always contactable to answer any queries or concerns. Very happy with the end result and would reccomend.

Tom O.

Registered and seen on the NHS within 2 weeks – amazing. Really friendly staff, would definitely recommend

Tom C.

I have recently finished an invisalign program with Pooja at dulwich dental office and couldn’t be happier. The treatment was easy and pain free and the results are great. Pooja’s experience and friendliness made me feel at ease throughout. I would 100% recommend for anyone considering similar treatment.

Toby B.

Dentist Pooja Pillay is excellent and was very patient with me as I I took a long time (years!) deciding whether or not to take the plunge and have Invisalign to straighten my teeth. It didn’t take too long and was easier than I thought it would be. Pooja kept a close eye on how it was all progressing and we even went a bit longer with it just to really perfect the result. I’m delighted with the outcome. Everything was included in the price, even the extra aligners and appointments when we decided to go on a bit longer. All staff at the practice have been excellent. Highly recommend.

Susie F.

I had my Invisaligns done by Dr Pillay and she really took the time to make sure my teeth are lovely and straight. She has always been available with any queries or follow up treatment I needed – and made me feel well looked after from the beginning and end of the treatment. I really recommend seeing her if you want to get Invisaligns done.

Stella C.

I am undergoing a course of Invisalign treatment with Dulwich Dental Office and I am so pleased with the results, even at this early stage. It is great that I can take the braces out to eat and clean my teeth. I am looking forward to the end result.

Sienna M.

The team are great. Friendly, reliable and kept my teeth on the ‘straight n’ narrow’ for years

Sarwar K.

I’ve been having implant treatment with Sanjay for almost a year and he has been great through the whole process as I am not fond of dentists. Today was the final session and the crowns were fitted. I’m really pleased with the work and they look and feel great and are subtle as you can see from the attached pic I just took. I’m more than happy to recommend him and his work!