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Air Abrasion

Get Pain-Free Cavity Treatment

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Experience Gentle Cavity Repair With Air Abrasion in Wilmington

If the sound of a dental drill makes you tense up, you're not alone. We provide air abrasion in Wilmington to give you a completely different experience. This technology removes decay using a gentle stream of fine particles instead of a drill. There is no noise, no heat, and no vibration.

If dental anxiety has kept you from addressing a cavity, this approach makes treatment more manageable. You get the same effective result with an easier experience from start to finish. With this precise and conservative technique, we can treat your problem without adding to the stress.

Dentist in white coat consulting with female patient seated in dental chair in bright clinic room

Make Your Dental Visits Easier & Less Stressful

Air abrasion uses a stream of tiny abrasive particles to remove decay. It can also prepare your teeth for fillings without the need for drills or needles.

This technique makes your treatments more comfortable. It will:

  • Target areas of decay without affecting surrounding healthy tissue
  • Treat decay quickly, and with minimal discomfort
  • Avoid the use of heat or uncomfortable vibrations
  • Eliminate the need for anesthesia in most cases, making your visit faster and easier

What To Expect During Your Air Abrasion Treatment

From start to finish, our team ensures your comfort during an air abrasion procedure. You can expect:

  • A consultation to discuss your treatment
  • Efficient treatment times that respect your busy schedule
  • Aftercare guidance to maintain your healthy smile
  • A team focused on clear communication and patient comfort throughout your visit

By choosing air abrasion in Wilmington, you are opting for minimally invasive care that puts the health and integrity of your smile first. This gentle treatment can make dental care better for you and your family.

5 out of 5 stars - 680 votes

5 Stars (680 Reviews)

Read Why Patients Love Us

Patients appreciate the special care they receive from our team. Check out what they have to say!

5

A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She...
A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She took extra time and care with my teeth which I really appreciated! She made sure I was comfortable. Dr. Dana Shumate is top notch and really friendly! He really knows his stuff but also is kind and genuine. If you want a new dental experience check out this practice, it’s a pleasure going there and especially if you are an anxious patient! 😁

5

I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to...
I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to their office for nearly 10 years. If there are ever any issues, they work well to resolve whatever needs attention,

5

I absolutely love everyone at Porter’s Neck Family Dentistry!! I was recommended to this office after moving to NC by almost everyone in my family, for good reason. You are taken care of from the second you walk in to the minute you leave! Dr. Shumate is an amazing asset to have when trying...
I absolutely love everyone at Porter’s Neck Family Dentistry!! I was recommended to this office after moving to NC by almost everyone in my family, for good reason. You are taken care of from the second you walk in to the minute you leave! Dr. Shumate is an amazing asset to have when trying to provide yourself with the best dental care. He removed my wisdom teeth & performed a descaling, & I knew I was in great hands. My recovery time was short & I’ve been feeling great ever since! I’ve seen such an improvement in my dental health as well & I owe it all to this amazing office!

5

The team at Porters Neck Dentistry is always amazing. They are professional, friendly, courteous and always find a way to address any urgent Dental needs I have had. The care my family gets is superb and I would highly highly recommend them.

5

Dr Shumate recently capped 2 of my front teeth. He did a beautiful job with them and went over and above what others dentists have done. I am so very happy with them!! His staff is kind and warm and caring. My husband and I have been going to him for several years and we highly recommend him.

5

Dr. Lauren is an excellent addition to Porter’s Neck Dentistry. I had a very nervous teen getting her first cavity filled. Dr. Lauren took time to answer every one of her questions seriously and reassuringly. She worked quick! My daughter left smiling and feeling confident!

5

This office was wonderful. Staff was friendly and patient with a very nervous daughter. They took the time to explain every procedure and the treatment plan for the future. Dr. Shumate made my daughter feel at ease with his engaging manner. Thank you!

5

Very nice staff. Could not work on my son due to age and was able to refer to another office and was very helpful in doing so. I am horrified of dentist however I will be making an appointment here for myself.

Patient Resources

Commonly Asked Questions About Air Abrasion

What makes air abrasion treatment different from traditional drilling?

Air abrasion is different from traditional drills. It uses a stream of tiny abrasive particles to remove tooth decay. This method avoids heat, pressure, and loud noises. Your dental visit is much more comfortable and less stressful. It's a great option if you feel anxious or sensitive during treatments.

Is air abrasion suitable for everyone?

Air abrasion is a great choice for many patients, from young children to adults, especially those who want a minimally invasive dental treatment. This method helps preserve more of your tooth structure while effectively treating concerns like small cavities. We carefully assess your needs to decide if air abrasion is the best option for you.

Does air abrasion require anesthesia?

Air abrasion provides a gentle way to remove decay. It usually makes anesthesia unnecessary. That said, if you feel anxious or if the treatment area is sensitive, we may recommend local anesthesia to keep you relaxed and pain-free. We want every visit to be as comfortable as possible for you.

Can air abrasion be used to prepare a tooth for a filling? 

Yes, air abrasion can remove decay and prepare a tooth for a filling without drilling. The stream of fine particles clears away damaged tissue while leaving healthy structure intact. This makes the process faster and more comfortable, and it often eliminates the need for anesthesia before placing your restoration.

How long does an air abrasion treatment take? 

Air abrasion treatments are typically faster than traditional cavity repair. Because there's no drilling, heat, or vibration involved, your dentist can work efficiently and comfortably. Most treatments are completed in a single visit. Without the need for anesthesia in many cases, you can get back to your day right away.

Is air abrasion safe for children? 

Air abrasion is safe for children and is often preferred for young patients. The absence of drill sounds and vibrations makes the experience far less intimidating. Kids who struggle with dental anxiety tend to respond much better to air abrasion than to conventional cavity treatment.