Air Abrasion is a dental technology used in place of a traditional dental drill, to remove decay and prepare teeth for fillings without anesthetics, in most cases. 
We simply use a small hand piece that creates a stream of air and particles of powder to prepare the tooth by removing decay and creating micro abrasion in the enamel for stronger bonding of filling/ restorative material. Like a mini sandblaster used to remove graffiti from walls – only this one is designed to be used in the mouth.

What’s amazing is that it’s a “touch less” system – the hand-piece doesn’t touch your tooth- only the air and powder actually contact the tooth.

Here is how it works:

For patients this means fillings without the pain and noise that can cause fear and apprehension. There is no heat and no vibration. Air abrasion can be used effectively to repair cracks, small cavities, discolorations, and to prepare teeth for bonding procedures. An additional benefit of this technique is to prepare the tooth surface to provide maximum adhesion for cosmetic work for increased bonding strength in both restorative and cosmetic applications. Plus, this treatment is great for conducting young children’s dental treatments, eliminating the noise, vibrations, and discomfort associated with a dental drill.

Air abrasion’s minute particles allow such amazing precision that more of the tooth structure is actually preserved than with traditional drill procedures. It’s easy and efficient – great for small cavities that we can catch in time and fill before they get deeper and more challenging to restore.