Sandblasting for teeth is an informal term for the procedure of air abrasion, used by some dentists in lieu of other traditional instruments to remove tooth decay before placing a filling. Although touted as a relatively new way to reduce noise and discomfort associated with the dreaded dental handpiece feared by countless dental patients--the rotary drill--"sandblasting" is actually a very old technique that has found its way back into modern dentistry.
Air Abrasion History
According to dentist Martin Edwards of DentalFearCentral.org, air abrasion (sandblasting) dates back to the 1940s when a commercial device, the Airdent, was marketed by S.S. White Dental Manufacturing Company. However, Edwards states that the high-speed air turbine--the drill patients came to know and loathe--was in direct competition with the device during this time. It was ultimately the drill that caught dentists' attention, Edward notes, and since that time, the shrill whine of the drill's air rotor has largely become "synonymous" with dental repair.
The Process
Air abrasion does indeed work similar to a sandblaster, notes the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. An abrasive powder--Edwards states that aluminum oxide powder is used--is delivered to the decayed portion of the tooth by way of compressed air. The procedure requires minor precautions. A rubber dam or protective resin is typically placed over neighboring teeth to prevent them from being abraded, and protective resin may be placed on the gums as well. Decay is buffed away gently, efficiently and painlessly; often in the case of minor tooth decay, dental patients don't require the use of an anesthetic. Smaller cavities found during a routine checkup may be filled in the same day--sometimes in 10 minutes.
Benefits Over Drilling
Air abrasion offers numerous benefits over the rotary dental drill. Not only are patients spared the drill's egregious, high-pitched whine, but they note no vibration in their mouths. Also, the unpleasant smell of burning tooth associated with drilling is another side effect lost during the process of air abrasion. Patients may have a gritty feeling in their mouths after the process, but this is easily rinsed away with water. Edwards, who uses air abrasion during the course of his own practice, states that the technique is a particular benefit for children.
When It Doesn't Work
Air abrasion doesn't work for all types of tooth decay. The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine states that it cannot be used for very deep fillings or when when veneers, crowns, inlays or onlays are necessary. Additionally, only certain filling types (composite resin fillings) can be used after air abrasion, since they cling better to the smooth surfaces in the tooth. Placement of silver fillings requires the tooth to be drilled, or else the fillings will fall out.
Other Facts
According to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, air abrasion isn't a technique taught in all dental schools. Dentists must pursue outside training to learn how to incorporate air abrasion into their practices. Your dentist may or may not use the technique, depending on her experience, training and access to the equipment.
