Dentist and assistant smiling and talking with a female patient seated in a dental chair by the window.

Air Abrasion

Get Pain-Free Cavity Treatment

Modern dental office with blue chairs, dental chair covered in plastic, computer keyboard, and large window.

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.

Female dentist smiling and talking to patient in dental office with bright window blinds in background

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 - 704 votes

5 Stars (704 Reviews)

Read Why Patients Love Us

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

5

1st day here was great! Staff were all super nice. Really liked chatting with the dentists as well as the dental assistants. Did a really good job of cleaning and photographing my teeth. They were all super friendly! And then there is the fact that Dr Shumate was the only dentist around here...
1st day here was great! Staff were all super nice. Really liked chatting with the dentists as well as the dental assistants. Did a really good job of cleaning and photographing my teeth. They were all super friendly! And then there is the fact that Dr Shumate was the only dentist around here that was able to repair a difficult / complex issue with my wifes teeth (dealing with severe allergies to Novocaine) - so yeah, needless to say, have been hopeful and highly impressed. Highly recommended!!

5

My husband and I wanted a Dentist closer to home. Wilmington traffic is unbearable! Dr. Shumate's office is only 15 min. away from home. We really lucked up. Dr. Shumate provides cosmetic dentistry, places dental implants, and offers family Dentistry. I visited Dr. Shumate, thinking I would...
My husband and I wanted a Dentist closer to home. Wilmington traffic is unbearable! Dr. Shumate's office is only 15 min. away from home. We really lucked up. Dr. Shumate provides cosmetic dentistry, places dental implants, and offers family Dentistry. I visited Dr. Shumate, thinking I would start there, but I also had to see an oral surgeon. Nope, Dr. Shumate placed my dental implants, and I love Dr. Dana. He is a perfectionist, kind, and a gentleman. Of course, my better half sees Dr. Lauren and is so happy with her work. He also enjoys going into their office. We both do, the staff is professional and well-trained. While the receptionists are respectful and professional. I couldn't ask for more! Paula and Alan Lanier

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

From the time you walk till the time you walk out you feel like family. As a nervous patient the entire staff made me feel at ease. Dr Shumate is very kind and takes the time to make sure you are well taken care of. And yes I took a fresh baked cookie from the lobby! Nice touch!

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

The entire team was incredibly kind, patient, and professional from start to finish. They went out of their way to provide extra care and make sure I felt comfortable as a nervous patient, which I really appreciated. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. Highly recommend.

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

Great experience! I was very impressed with the high technology they had available. The staff was totally awesome; very friendly and accommodating. I am grateful that I have found A new dentist here in Wilmington!

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.