Which of the following is NOT a use of sandblasting?

• A. Remove discoloration and stains from teeth and restorations
• B. It is used to remove caries from deep dentin
• C. Microretentive features to improve bonding
• D. Repairing restorations

Answer: (B)

Sandblasting (air abrasion) shoots fine abrasive particles onto a surface to remove debris and create a microscopic roughness. That roughness provides microretentive features, which helps adhesives and bonding agents grip the surface better, improving the strength and durability of restorations. It’s also effective for cleaning and removing superficial extrinsic stains from enamel and certain restorations, and it can be used to prepare a damaged or aging restoration surface for repair by increasing surface energy and roughness to enhance bonding.

Removing caries from deep dentin isn’t a use because caries removal needs selectivity to remove the demineralized, infected tissue while preserving as much healthy dentin as possible. Sandblasting is non-selective and can strip away healthy dentin and risk pulpal injury, making it unsuitable for deep caries removal. For deep caries, conventional excavation or chemomechanical methods are preferred, often with protective liners as needed.