A new dental technology helps diagnose and treat tooth decay at an early stage. The technology uses equipment call air-abrasive technology to "blast away" some areas of the tooth surface without using the dental drill.

Air-abrasive technology uses minute alumina particles that are almost invisible to the naked eye and are carried to the tooth by a stream of air. These particles spray away areas of the tooth with no drilling sound, vibrations or need for anesthesia.

Because the technology is a conservative means of removing portions of the tooth, it allows the possibility of early diagnosis. The dentist can use short blasts of the device to better view the suspicious-looking darkened areas. The pits and fissures of the back teeth (the chewing surfaces) are areas where decay is often seen.

Air abrasive technology can also be used to remove stains and organic debris for the application of sealants (protective plastic coatings) on the teeth and can also remove areas of early decay for replacement with resin fillings.

Air abrasion, however, is not well-suited for removing all decay. Moist or soft dentin (the layer of tooth that is exposed when gums receded) cannot effectively be removed with air abrasion. The technology was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not yet widely available in dental offices.