The goal of minimally invasive dentistry, is to conserve healthy tooth structure. It focuses on prevention, remineralization, and minimal dentist intervention. Minimally invasive dentistry allows dentists to perform the least amount of dentistry possible, never removing more tooth structure than required to restore the tooth. Minimally invasive dentistry is vastly different from dentistry as it was, even just a couple of decades ago.
Which techniques are used?
Minimally invasive techniques include:
Remineralization: this is the process of restoring lost minerals to the tooth. Remineralization can repair the initial damage caused by tooth decay (demineralization). Fluoride plays an important role in this process. Your dentist may recommend that you use special mouth rinses, toothpastes or gels that contain higher amounts of fluoride than over the counter toothpaste.
Sealants: made from tooth colored resin, sealants fit into the grooves and depressions of the tooth and act as a barrier protecting against acid and plaque. Sealants do not require any cutting of the tooth and can be placed on teeth that might be susceptible to decay at any time.
Resin Fillings: tooth colored fillings that require minimal removal of tooth structure to place. Provided that the extent of decay is also minimal, there is no reason to make a filling larger than the area of decay that has been removed. This was not true in the recent past when amalgam fillings were routinely placed and required extensive removal of sound tooth structure in order to place a filling.
Inlays & Onlays: Traditionally a dentist would restore a badly broken tooth with a crown, however inlays and onlays can also be used and do not require the removal of as much tooth structure. Inlays are similar to fillings except that they are custom made to fit the cavity in your tooth and are typically the same color as your tooth. Onlays are used for more substantial reconstruction, are tooth colored and also do not require the dentist to remove as much natural tooth structure as would a crown.
Night Guards: Many people grind their teeth at night. Grinding, or bruxism, may cause serious, irreversible damage to the teeth. If the wearing of the teeth is severe, teeth may need to be treated with crowns. Grinding, which usually begins in your teenage years or early 20's can be detected and corrected before much damage has been done.
At Dental Associates we are committed to providing superior, conservative dentistry at fair prices. Come in for a consult today.
