Air abrasion is a sound similar to a vacuum cleaner. It does not produce the vibrations or the heat that a drill does. For many patients, the procedure requires little or no anesthesia.

 

 

It can only be used on small cavities where tooth preparation is minimal. Because of the way the tooth is prepared by the air abrasion, only tooth-colored, composite resin can be used. The dental drill may still be required to complete the preparation of some teeth. In addition, air abrasion cannot be used to prepare the tooth for a crown or fillings between teeth.