What is Air Abrasion?
Air abrasion is a way to remove decay from a tooth using an instrument that works like a mini sandblaster instead of using a dental drill. The air abrasion hand piece blows a fine stream of particles aimed at the stained or decayed part of the tooth. These particles are made of aluminum oxide and are propelled toward the tooth surface by compressed air. 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 through a thin tube.
Air abrasion is most commonly used to prepare teeth for composites, or "white fillings." Air abrasion also helps to repair cracks, to prepare teeth for bonding procedures, and works well to repair worn teeth; remove stains and spots; repair old fillings and sealants.​
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Dental lasers can be used to:
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Reduce the discomfort of canker and cold sores.
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Expose partially erupted wisdom teeth.
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Remove overgrown tissues.
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Perform biopsy procedures.
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Manage gum tissue during impressions for crowns or other procedures.
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Remove inflamed gum tissues and aid in the treatment of gum disease.
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Remove or reshape gum tissues during crown lengthening procedures.
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Reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure and cosmetically improve the appearance of a "gummy" smile.
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What is Laser Dentistry?
Protea Dental Centre uses a Soft Tissue Diode Laser for safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures. A Diode Dental Laser is very precise instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. The light produced by the laser can remove or shape tissue and allow for treatment of a highly specific area of focus without damaging surrounding tissues. Some other advantages to laser procedures include minimized bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments; reduced symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies; reduced amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities; and control bleeding during surgery.
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