Air abrasion technology functions much like the sandblasting technique used to clear graffiti from walls. An air abrasion handpiece blows a powerful air stream of tiny, fine aluminum oxide particles out of its tip onto tooth structure. Because air abrasion cuts tooth surfaces with great precision, it removes less tooth material than drills.

The biting surfaces of molar teeth are especially susceptible to decay because of the deep pits and fissures that develop. These small cavities can easily be removed using air abrasion techniques and the tooth filled with an esthetic tooth-colored restoration.