Air Abrasion

A dental drill may not be the only option for removing small areas of tooth decay. In some cases, a new method, called air abrasion, provides a quiet alternative. People who dislike the dental drill and it's noise, as well as those who cannot have local anesthesia, find this gentle "sandblasting" technique a welcome change.

The procedure: Air abrasion uses a pressurized stream of microscopic, non-toxic abrasive powder to remove tooth decay. the process is quick, doesn't produce vibrations or heat, and requires little or no anesthesia.