Patient Services

Air Abrasion

Conservative Cavity Care Blasts Away Decay

Air abrasion is a relatively new decay removal and tooth preparation tool that we often use in place of the traditional dental drill. This innovative system allows us to conserve more of the patient's natural tooth structure and reduce the risk of enamel micro-fracturing. Because the equipment does not produce vibration or heat, patients require little or no anesthetic. Air abrasion is quieter, faster, and more comfortable than traditional drilling.

So how does it work? Air abrasion applies the principle of kinetic energy to bombard the tooth area with a high-pressure stream of tiny aluminum oxide particles. As the particles bounce off the tooth's surface, they blast away decayed tissue and prepare the tooth for a filling. The process requires only a minute or so per tooth. Air abrasion is a popular choice for children, as well as adults.