What Does It Mean to Have Drill-Free Cavity Repair?

By Michael Givens DDS PLLC | Published on November 1, 2011 | 0 Comments

Thanks to a process known as air abrasion, dentists no longer have to use needles and drills when removing patients’ cavities. Instead, dentists like Michael O. Givens, DDS PLLC can use a combination of air, water, and a mild pumice abrasive to remove decay once and for all. Dr. Givens says that news of this new technique comes as a huge relief to the great percentage of patients who report having a fear of needles, scalpels or drills.

Speaking from his office in Charlotte, the dental crowns and fillings expert tells us that air abrasion can be used to remove tooth decay and cavities with significantly less discomfort and pain than older, more traditional methods used by dentists.

Air abrasion works by literally sandblasting any decay from a patient’s teeth, says Dr. Givens. During a treatment session, a patient can expect a stream of particles to be aimed directly at the decayed area in his or her mouth. These particles are blasted toward the teeth using compressed air and water that runs through a small instrument that the dentist holds. Dental decay is effortlessly pushed away by the stream of particles, and then suctioned away using a separate dental handpiece.

Dr. Givens is careful to note that air abrasion cannot be used to remove old fillings and dental crowns in Charlotte. Additionally, air abrasion cannot be used in instances where the decay in a patient’s tooth is extremely deep. However, air abrasion will work very well for the vast majority of patients with decay.

When compared to the needles and drills that dentists used to use to remove decay, air abrasion is a very nice alternative, says Dr. Givens. Air abrasion is known as a conservative method of treatment because it takes away less of the tooth structure than a dental drill. Additionally, dentists who offer air abrasion do not have to use an anesthetic on patients when removing cavities because air abrasion does not cause the same type of pain as a drill.

Speaking more about the pain associated with fillings and dental crowns in Charlotte, Dr. Givens explains that the pain and discomfort patients generally report is actually caused by the heat that is generated when a regular dental drill is penetrating their teeth. That heat is what causes discomfort, not the drilling itself. Because air abrasion involves nothing more than water, air, and the abrasive substance, patients’ mouths stay cool and they report far less discomfort.

The only time when a patient getting air abrasion would be likely to report discomfort would be if the rush of air got too close to his or her nerve, which is the reason why dentists like Dr. Givens hesitate to use air abrasion to treat very deep, large cavities.

For more information on air abrasion and dental crowns in Charlotte, patients are encouraged to contact Dr. Givens’ office for help.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

What People Are Saying.