Air abrasion to remove tooth decay
Air abrasion is a gentle spray of an air and powder mixture that removes tooth decay. It is a fast, pain-free alternative to a typical dental drill to repair small cavities. It is recommended for very small cavities as it removes less of your natural tooth than a dental drill and can prevent micro-cracks from occurring. The procedure is virtually painless, as the dentist can control the speed and intensity of the powder and air stream, and usually requires no freezing. Besides fillings, air abrasion is also useful for repairing chipped, fractured, and worn teeth, preparing for cosmetic dentistry, removing stains and spots, repairing old fillings and sealants, children’s dentistry, and repairing broken crowns and bridges.