No-Drill Cavity Repair

“Air Abrasion” — Removing Dental Decay Without a Drill

Air Abrasion is a modern method used at Live Well Dental to remove tooth decay. This patient-friendly system can replace the dental drill many of us have experienced.

  • The air abrasion unit 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.

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

    • Usually painless — no numbing or needles

    • Keeps more of your healthy tooth

    • Usually, a shorter treatment time

    • No noise, heat, pressure, or vibration

    • Less risk of breaking tooth enamel

    As a forward-thinking dentist, Dr. Chang devotes hundreds of hours each year to continuing education. He not only learns and perfects the latest advances, he also teaches dental residents.

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

    Live Well Dental is recognized for bringing the latest, safest advances in dental care to our patients. As a forward-thinking office, our philosophy and focus is on Minimally Invasive Dentistry.

    We focus on:

    • preventing disease rather than always repairing your teeth

    • keeping as much of your original tooth as possible.

    • using materials and procedures that reduce the need for future repair.

  • Yes, it is safe! Air abrasion may leave dusty particles that feel a bit gritty in your mouth, but they are harmless.

    A tiny vacuum hose is used to reduce the dust and you’ll be given protective glasses for your eyes. One last rinse of your mouth and the final particles are all gone.

    Aluminum oxide, which is used in air abrasion, is also safe. When it touches saliva, it turns into a harmless hydroxide which is commonly found in toothpaste.

  • Like most procedures, air abrasion isn’t perfect. It’s not always completely painless for everyone. Sometimes it causes sensitivity in teeth during the procedure.

  • Air abrasion works well for many, but not all, dental procedures.

    We use air abrasion for:

    • repairing broken crowns and bridges.

    • white fillings — also known as composite fillings.

    • removing small cavities from the surface of teeth.

    • removing stains and spots.

    • repairing cracks, chips, worn teeth, old fillings, and sealants.

    The dental drill may have to be used for deep cavities and silver fillings. This is also true for onlays, crowns and bridges. But don’t worry — Dr. Chang has a gentle touch!

  • Absolutely! Most children would rather have air abrasion than the drill:

    • Less pain

    • No needles

    • Less time in the dental chair

    • Quieter than a drill

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