Air abrasion technology allows dentists to remove decay from teeth without using the familiar dental drill, and quite often without using local anesthetic either. This technology is significant because it enables dentists to practice a more conservative form of dentistry. With this technique, less sound tooth structure is destroyed during decay removal than, with a traditional dental handpiece.

Air abrasion techniques use a gentle spray of air and powder. This combination painlessly removes tooth decay from a tooth. By altering the speed and intensity of the powder and air, dentists can provide a quiet and comfortable experience for their patients. Decay removal using this technique typically does not activate the pain receptors in a tooth. It is for this reason that dental anesthetic is frequently not required during this procedure.

This technique has other advantages as well. By directing a thin stream of abrasive powder, dentists can remove only the decayed areas of teeth. This means that more sound tooth structure is preserved. The result is a tiny, barely visible tooth-colored filling.

Air abrasion is particularly useful for children and young adults, because quite often no anesthetic is required before treatment. This instrument hasn't yet completely replaced the dental drill, but it represents an important advance in the early treatment of tooth decay.