“I have no idea where these dark stains on my teeth come from,” is a phrase we often hear from patients who are avid coffee, tea, or tobacco consumers. We reassure them not to worry because we can remove them painlessly and effectively. The treatment we recommend is more than enough to refresh the appearance of your teeth and give you a bright smile free of stubborn stains that you can’t eliminate on your own.
Teeth sandblasting, or the airflow treatment, is one of the dental procedures our patients love and is performed daily in our practice. While it is often associated with aesthetic benefits, the advantages of the airflow treatment are recognized by both patients and dentists alike. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about teeth sandblasting, its benefits, and how the procedure is performed.
What is Teeth Sandblasting?
Teeth sandblasting, also known as airflow or sandblasting, is a procedure that uses a jet of air and water mixed with fine particles (usually sodium bicarbonate or “baking soda”) to clean the surface of the teeth. Air under high pressure is directed onto the teeth, effectively removing stains and soft deposits, such as accumulated bacterial plaque. This procedure is completely painless and gentle, and many patients even find it enjoyable.
How is the Sandblasting Procedure Performed?
The teeth sandblasting procedure is quick and straightforward. The dentist uses a specialized device that produces a stream of air and water mixed with a fine powder. This jet is directed at the surface of the teeth, where the powder particles easily remove deposits and other impurities from the surface.
Since no sharp instruments are used, patients usually feel no discomfort during the treatment, and there is no need for local anesthesia. The procedure can last anywhere from a few minutes to about 20 minutes, depending on the amount of buildup and staining on the teeth.
Benefits of Teeth Sandblasting
- Painless and Gentle: Sandblasting is very gentle on teeth and gums, causing no pain and not damaging the tooth enamel.
- Effective Stain Removal: It is highly effective in removing stubborn stains, such as those caused by coffee, tea, smoking, or chromogenic bacteria on the teeth. It is especially helpful for removing mild discoloration in children with less-than-ideal oral hygiene.
- Gum Health Maintenance: By removing plaque and soft deposits from the teeth, this treatment reduces the risk of gum diseases like gingivitis.
- Aesthetic Benefits: After sandblasting, teeth appear brighter and cleaner, as removing stains and deposits reveals the natural whiteness of the teeth—an excellent way to achieve a fresh and natural smile.
- Quick Procedure: Sandblasting is a fast and efficient process with no lengthy recovery period. After just one visit to the dentist, you can enjoy clean and radiant teeth.
When is Teeth Sandblasting Necessary?
Sandblasting is usually recommended in the following cases:
- Aesthetic Purposes: If you want to brighten your teeth or remove stubborn stains caused by smoking, coffee, tea, or red wine, as well as stains from chromogenic bacteria. These bacteria leave characteristic brown or black stains on the teeth, which compromise the aesthetic appearance.
- Dental Plaque and Deposits: If plaque has built up on your teeth and cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing.
- Preparation for Other Dental Treatments: Sandblasting can be a useful preparatory step for procedures like teeth whitening, as it cleans the teeth’s surface of deposits and prepares them for the application of other materials.
Sandblasting vs. Traditional Cleaning
While sandblasting is an excellent method for removing stains and deposits, it cannot replace traditional ultrasonic scaling, which involves thoroughly cleaning the spaces between teeth. Sandblasting is often an addition to regular dental check-ups and cleanings, serving as a polish for rough surfaces after tartar removal and for eliminating soft deposits and stains from teeth.
Conclusion
Teeth sandblasting is a quick, efficient, and painless solution for cleaning your teeth and achieving a fresher smile in just one visit. If you want to clean your teeth of deposits, remove stains, and simply improve their appearance, sandblasting is an excellent option!
For a healthy smile, don’t forget to maintain regular oral hygiene, and schedule regular dental check-ups. Combining tartar removal and sandblasting is an excellent addition to your routine to maintain good oral health. Book your appointment for a check-up and consultation, and proudly show off your healthy, clean smile!
