Air Abrasion

Air abrasion is a dental technique that uses compressed air to propel a thin stream of abrasive particles, aluminum oxide ,through a specialized hand-piece to remove tooth tissue and decay before being suctioned away, similar to sand blasting. It can be used in a variety of dental procedures, including removing tooth decay, stains, and old restorations, as well as to prepare teeth for new restorations.

Advantages and disadvantages Advantages of air abrasion include that it preserves more healthy tooth tissue (which can increase the strength and longevity of restorations), and has less risk of fracturing or chipping a tooth when compared to a traditional pneumatic dental drill. Air abrasion generates minimal noise, vibration, pressure, and heat, all of which can increase patient comfort and reduce or eliminate the need for local anesthesia.