Air Abrasion
A fine stream of particles removes small areas of decay without the heat, vibration or pressure of a drill.
Air abrasion directs a controlled stream of fine particles at the tooth to remove small amounts of decayed structure. There is no rotating bur, so there is no vibration, heat or grinding sound.
It is well suited to small cavities, preparing teeth for sealants, and removing surface stain — and often allows treatment with little or no anesthetic.
What it means for you
Conservative
Removes decay precisely while preserving more healthy tooth.
No vibration
Nothing rotates against the tooth, so the sensation is much gentler.
Often no injection
Small preparations can frequently be completed without anesthetic.
Great for children
A quieter, less intimidating experience for younger patients.
In the chair
- You will feel a fine spray and hear a soft hiss rather than a drill.
- A rubber dam or suction keeps particles away from the rest of your mouth.
- Larger cavities may still need conventional preparation.
Questions
Is air abrasion suitable for every filling?
No. It works best for small cavities and conservative preparations. Larger or deeper restorations usually require conventional instruments.