Air Abrasion: What is it and Why do I need to Know about it?

Drilling is arguably one of the most one of the most dreaded experiences for most people. In many cases however, it's not so much the pain of the experience – and drilling procedures are relatively painless these days – but the sound of the drilling that makes us nervous.   Also referred to as a “handpiece” by dentists, the drill produces a high pitched sound.  The shrill, almost pneumatic noise quickly begins to make  a patient feel nervous, making it harder for the dentist to perform the procedure.

Air abrasion, or drill-less dentistry is the latest technique that helps dentists to clean decayed teeth without that awful sound.  Air abrasion is a totally noiseless technique. Also, there are absolutely no vibrations produced.  This device works like a petite sandblaster, and uses compressed air and abrasive power to remove all tooth decay. 

Air abrasion techniques have been found very useful for people who have an excessive fear of needles. Not only can air abrasion remove a tooth cavity within 10 minutes (if it's a small cavity that needs to be removed), but it also doesn’t require the use of local anesthesia. However, in some cases, sensitivity may result. This is either because of the pressurized air or the abrasive powder.

Air abrasion cannot be used to cure all types of tooth decay, however.  The procedure cannot be used to fix crowns, inlays, onlays, deep-rooted fillings or for treating veneers. Also, the air abrasion process creates a smooth surface on which only composite resin fillings can work properly. This system doesn’t work properly with silver or amalgam fillings, which require accurate cuts to be made by the drills. Cutting is an important step, and helps prevent the amalgam filling from falling out of the teeth. 

An air abrasion machine consists of an air compressor and a tank filled with abrasive aluminum oxide particles. Available in two sizes, the particles vary between 27 microns and 50 microns.  

How does air abrasion work?

The nozzle of the machine is used to shoot the compressed air and particles into the decayed tooth.  The decay is literally blasted off, leaving a clean cavity behind.

It is necessary to take certain precautions while undergoing an air abrasion procedure. For example, the dental team performing the technique will use a rubber dam or a protective resin to help you protect your other teeth from getting damaged too. You will be given protective eye wear to protect your eyes from damage from the particles.