Air Abrasion
Air Abrasion is a way of treating teeth without having to drill. Patients like the near absence of noise, and the total absence of vibration. There is never any burning smell as the teeth cannot get hot. Properly used, air abrasion often does not require a 'shot'. You can imagine how pleased patients are when they find they can have treatment without an injection, and feel no pain.
The buzz words in surgery now are 'minimally invasive'. If someone is clearly at risk from decay, and the bugs are winning, how nice to have the option of 'micro dentistry' using air abrasion! The air abrasion device may be used to gently remove the areas of very early decay before the hole can even be seen. Children benefit especially, as they feel so little, and the extra cleaning means that their fissure sealants are placed quickly. Much smaller holes can be filled earlier in this way, rather than waiting until the hole is much bigger, or worse, cutting lots of healthy tooth to get to a small hole.
Parents are always impressed when the technology is demonstrated, and those who hate needles or drills are truly appreciative. It's not a panacea for everything, but it's a great extra option that suits a lot of dentists and their patients.