Some dentists are providing drillless dentistry, also known as air wear and micro-wear. Air abrasion can be used to remove some of the cavities, remove some of the old composite restorations, prepare a tooth surface for bonding or sealant, and remove surface stains and discolorations. The air-worn instrument works like a mini-blaster, eliminating rot, stains, or preparing tooth surfaces for adhesive or sealant applications. In the case of air wear, the fine particle flow is aimed at the tooth surface. These granules are made of a mixture of silica, alumina or baking soda and are pushed against the tooth surface by compressed air or gas passing through the dental handpiece. When the stream of particles hits them, the small particles on the surface of the teeth rot and the stains, etc. are removed. The remaining particles are "sucked" away.
