Air abrasion does not harm the nerves or blood vessels that compose the tooth pulp. Air abrasion has some major limitations. Some patients dislike the taste of the aluminum oxide powder. Because of the way the air abrasion unit prepares the tooth, only tooth-colored composite resin can be used to fill the cavity. Air abrasion cannot adequately prepare a tooth for crowns or fillings between teeth.
Air abrasion cuts a narrow path through the tooth enamel.
It is most efficient at cutting through the dentin. Dentin is the second layer of tooth structure. Currently, about 20 percent of dentists in the United States use air abrasion. It is not expected to replace the dental drill. The dental drill has much more versatile applications.