The air abrasive system replaces a conventional dental drill in the preparation of tooth surfaces when filling cavities. A thin, direct stream of aluminum oxide particles (driven by compressed air at high velocity) "blasts" away decay with virtually no loss of healthy tooth material. The technique is limited to use on cavities close to or on the surface, which makes it useful for about 80 percent of children and 40 percent of adults. How Safe Is Air Abrsion? Very. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, air abrasion is so safe it can even be used on small children and pregnant women. Will I Need An Anaesthetic During the Procedure? In the majority of cases, no anaesthetic injection is necessary. Most patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure with no numbness afterward. However, if you are one of the rare people who are uneasy, we will be happy to take appropriate measures to ensure your comfort. What Steps Are Involved? Because air abrasion is most often used on conservative restorations, we may first apply a special cavity detection dye to your teeth to identify the location and extent of decay that might otherwise go undetected by x-rays and visual examinations. We then use an instrument that delivers a gentle stream of compressed air and a superfine powder of abrasive particles to quickly remove the decay. Finally, we fill the cavity with a tooth-coloured, non-metallic filling that offers many benefits, including strength, longevity and appearance. What are the Benefits of Air Abrasion? Prevention - Earlier detection and treatment of cavities means less damage to teeth Speed - Most air abrasion fillings can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes or less Comfort - Greatly reduced vibrations, sounds and unpleasant sensations Precision - Helps maintain integrity of tooth structure by removing only a minimal section of tooth Appearance - Improved, tooth-coloured filling material looks more natural than traditional metallic fillings