No-Drill Cavity Repair

Air Abrasion — Removing Dental Decay Without a Drill

Air Abrasion is a modern method that some dentists use to remove tooth decay. The patient-friendly system replaces the dental drill that many of us have experienced.

How Does Air Abrasion Work?

The air abrasion tool blows a powerful stream of tiny, aluminum oxide particles onto your tooth. When this happens, the particles bounce off your tooth, taking the decay with them.

What are the Benefits of Using Air Abrasion?

Many patients like air abrasion because of what it offers over the dental drill:  

• Usually painless — no need for numbing or needles
• You can keep more of your healthy tooth
• Usually shorter treatment time
• No noise, heat, pressure, or vibration
• Materials strengthen and protect your tooth
• Less risk of breaking tooth enamel
• Natural-looking materials

Why Does Dr. Chang Use Air Abrasion?

Here at Dr. Chang’s office, we use air abrasion for a few reasons.

We understand how people feel about the dental drill. After all, we get dental care too, and so do our families. We consider your comfort a top priority.

Dr. Chang is known for bringing the latest, safest advances in dental care. As a forward-thinking dentist, his philosophy of care includes minimally invasive dentistry. He focuses on:

• Preventing disease rather than always replacing your teeth
• Keeping as much of your original tooth as possible
• Using materials and procedures that reduce the need for future repair

Is Air Abrasion Safe?

Yes, air abrasion is safe. It may leave dusty particles that feel a little gritty in your mouth, but it’s harmless. You can rinse it out soon after the procedure. Dr. Chang uses a tiny vacuum hose or water spray to reduce the dust. You’ll wear protective glasses too.

Dr. Chang uses the advanced system called Isolite™, instead of the rubber dam in your mouth. The dam is that little sheet used to protect areas the dentist isn’t treating.

The Isolite™ is far more comfortable and usually gives better results — and shorter treatment time.

That aluminum oxide used in air abrasion is also safe.  And when it touches saliva, it turns into a harmless hydroxide which is in toothpaste as well.

Does Air Abrasion Have Drawbacks?

Like most procedures, air abrasion isn’t perfect. It’s not always totally painless for everyone. Sometimes it causes sensitivity in teeth although that usually goes away a few hours later.

Is Air Abrasion Used for All Procedures?

Air Abrasion works well for many dental procedures. These include:

• Repairing broken crowns and bridges
• White fillings — also known as composite
• Removing small cavities from the surface of teeth
• Removing stains and spots
• Repairing cracks, chips, worn teeth, old fillings, and sealants

Dentists still have to use the dental drill for deep cavities and silver fillings. This is also true for a few other treatments: onlays, crowns, and bridges. But don’t worry — Dr. Chang has a gentle touch.

Is Air Abrasion for Children Too?

Absolutely, most children would rather have air abrasion than the drill:

• Less pain
• No needles
• Less time in the dental chair
• Quieter tool

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