Office Phone:

(803) 779-9666

Office Hours:

8:00AM - 5:00PM

For more information:

(803) 667-4456

What is air abrasion?

Air abrasion, also called "micro abrasion" and kinetic cavity preparation, is a method of tooth structure removal considered to be an effective alternative to the standard dental drill, Air abrasion technology functions much like the sandblasting technique used to clear graffiti from walls. An air abrasion handpiece blows a powerful air stream of tiny, fine aluminum oxide particles out of its tip onto tooth structure, Air abrasion uses the kinetic energy principle, in which particles bounce off the tooth and blasts the decay away.

It most commonly is used to prepare various types of cavities to be restored with composites, or "white fillings," Air abrasion also can be effectively used to repair cracks and discolorations, prepare tooth surfaces for bonding procedures, and perform additional procedures.

What are its advantages?

Air abrasion procedures are virtually painless, which, in most cases eliminates the need for an anesthetic injection. Air abrasion systems produce no vibration and no heat from friction. The technology can't harm soft mouth tissue and they operate very quietly. Because air abrasion cuts tooth surfaces with the utmost precision, it removes less tooth than the drill and it reduces the risk of enamel micro-fracturing.

In other words, the advantages are more of your tooth is preserved, there is little or no discomfort, no anesthetic numbness is needed, and treatment time is usually shorter.

Is air abrasion suitable for everyone?

Yes. It is an especially good option for children who may be afraid of the needle, and the noise, and vibration of a regular dental drill. However, there are some treatments, like crown and bridge preparation, that still require the use of a dental drill. Air abrasion can't be used as an alternative in every procedure.

Who will provide my air abrasion treatment?

Both Dr. Bell and Dr. Moody have been trained in restorative dentistry techniques, and will perform any procedures that use air abrasion technology. Ask if this technique isright for you.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings which are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay. Most tooth decay in children and adolescents occurs on the chewing surfaces of these back molars. This is because molars have irregular surfaces with pits and grooves which tend to trap food and bacterial debris. Sealants flow into and coat the pits and grooves so that bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.

How Long Will Dental Sealants Last?

A sealant application can last up to five years and often longer. Sealants should be checked regularly and reapplied when they appear to have worn off. Because teeth are most susceptible to decay when they are young, preventing decay during the first five to fifteen years after a tooth erupts is critical.

Why is Sealing a Tooth Better Than Waiting for Decay and Filling a Cavity?

Sealants help to maintain sound, intact teeth. Decay destroys the structure of the tooth. Each time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, additional tooth structure is lost. Composite fillings last an average of six to eight years before they need to be replaced. Appropriate use of sealants can save time, money and the discomfort associated with restorative dental procedures.

Do Sealants Cost More Than Fillings?

Although the cost of sealing teeth may vary, the cost is consistently less than having fillings placed.

What is the benefit of an x-ray exam?

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth clinically. An X-ray exam may reveal the presence of small cavities between the teeth, infections in the bone, abscesses, cysts, developmental abnormalities and some types of tumors.

A failure to diagnose and treat these conditions before obvious signs and symptoms have developed can threaten your oral and general health. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. If you have a hidden tumor, early diagnostic X-rays may even help save your life.

How often should I have dental x-ray exams?

This depends on your individual health needs. It is important to recognize that just as each patient is different from the next, so should X-ray exams be individualized for each patient. Our doctors at Vista Smiles will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether you need radiographs and what type. If you are a new patient, we will recommend radiographs to determine the present status of the hidden areas of your mouth and to help analyze changes that may occur later.

How much radiation is involved in a dental x-ray exam?

A new analytical method, involving calculation of the effective dose equivalent, allows comparison of different types of radiation. Environmental exposures may be compared to exposure from dental X- ray exams. Using state of the art technology, a full mouth X-ray examination of 21 films will deliver an effective dose equivalent of approximately 13 mrem. This is equivalent to approximately 16 days of exposure to naturally-occurring environmental radiation.

For purposes of comparison it is useful to know that, according to federal and most state regulations, persons whose occupations involve some exposure to radiation are permitted to receive up to 5,000 mrem of whole body radiation per year.

Why do the dentist and other members of the dental staff leave the room when x-ray exposures are made?

If a dentist and other members of a dental staff did not leave the room or stand behind a barrier, they would be exposed many times a day to radiation. Although the amount of radiation they would receive each time is quite small, over a long period of time they would receive a needless dose that provides no benefit to them

If I am pregnant or think I may be pregnant, should dental x-ray exams be postponed?

No. Those X-ray exams in which a fetus or embryo would be in, or near, the primary X-ray beam should be avoided. Since dental X-ray exams are limited to the head and neck region, it is unlikely that the developing baby receives any detectable radiation. We do suggest however you get approval from your practicing physician prior to any necessary dental procedures.

Does my dentist take special precautions to minimize the amount of radiation I receive?

There are several ways we can minimize the amount of radiation that you receive. We take only necessary radiographs, use the fastest type of X-ray film, use equipment that restricts the beam to the area that needs to be examined, use the lead apron and thyroid shield when appropriate, and finally, develop films according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

What is local anesthesia?

Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissues with a swab to prevent pain on the surface. We may use a topical anesthetic to numb an area in preparation for administering an injectable local anesthetic. Topical anesthetics also may be used to soothe painful mouth sores.

Injectable local anesthetics, such as Novocain, prevent pain in. a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain and numbing mouth tissues. They cause the temporary numbness often referred to as a "fat lip" feeling. Injectable anesthetics may be used in such procedures as filling cavities, preparing teeth for crowns or treating gum disease.

What about sedation and anesthesia?

Anti-anxiety agents, such as nitrous oxide, or sedatives may help you relax during dental visits and often may be used along with local anesthetics. Dentists also can use these agents to induce "conscious sedation," in which the patient achieves a relaxed state during treatment but can respond to speech or touch. Sedatives can be administered before, during or after dental procedures by mouth, inhalation or injection.