Air abrasion also called “microabrasion” is a method of tooth structure removal considered to be an effective alternative to the standard dental drill. This new technique allows dentists to remove decay from teeth without using a drill. Using a fine, precisely controlled high pressure stream, the air abrasion system removes decay with ease and precision. Air abrasion uses the kinetic energy principle, in which particles bounce off the tooth and blasts the decay away.
Air abrasion procedures are typically done using an abrasive particle stream of aluminum oxide (typically 20- 50 micron particles) driven by compressed air. The procedure is virtually painless which eliminates the need for an anesthetic injection. Air abrasion systems produce no vibration and no heat from friction. Because air abrasion cuts tooth surfaces with the utmost precision, it removes less tooth than the drill and it reduces the risk of enamel micro-fracturing.
Air abrasion technology offers new alternatives for caries treatment as well as numerous other clinical restorative procedures.
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