By learning more about what minimally invasive dentistry is and why more and more dentists are offering it, you can decide if it’s the right approach to your oral health. Below Aloe Dental Wellness gives a complete overview of what minimally invasive dentistry is, the benefits it can provide, and the specific procedures it may involve.
Minimally-Invasive Dentistry
Advances in dental technology have brought new treatment options to our patients. Minimally invasive dentistry or micro-dentistry is a term encompassing numerous procedures, all with the sole purpose of maintaining and improving the patient’s oral health and creating a healthy tooth structure.
Dentists using this approach focus on removing as little tooth structure as possible while eliminating dental problems and improving the patient’s oral health. Through minimally invasive dentistry, dentists are offered the opportunity to reduce the need for future tooth restorations through the use of durable materials and minimal amounts of simultaneously efficient dentistry. Minimally invasive dentistry not only prevents common dental problems but also analyzes and evaluates possible risks to treat problems early on.
What Are The Core Principles of Minimally Invasive Dentistry?
There are several approaches to this form of dentistry, each of which helps treat a different problem. Techniques used in minimally invasive dentistry include those focused on prevention, remineralization, and minimally invasive restoration. Below we will analyze all the principles in detail:
- Prevention: Preventive care is the most effective way to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. This includes a daily dental hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist. These habits will ensure that you have a lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Ongoing dental visits ensure that developing problems are caught before further treatment is required.
- Remineralization Strategies: Remineralization is the process of strengthening the existing enamel in teeth to prevent cavities. While tooth enamel cannot be restored once it’s gone, remineralization is possible. Remineralization is primarily achieved through the use of fluoride treatments and the use of fluoride-containing dental care products.
- Minimally Invasive Treatment: Minimally invasive can be broadly interpreted as surgery that removes as little tissue as possible. Traditional surgery is considered invasive, although modern minimally invasive procedures exist.
Common Minimally-Invasive Treatments
Minimally invasive procedures can help maintain the long-term structure and health of our teeth without creating the possibility of future deterioration from overly invasive procedures. Before starting any procedure, we begin by assessing the health of your mouth and teeth and assessing your risk of developing tooth decay. Some common types of minimally invasive treatments are:
- Tooth sealant: This treatment involves applying a thin layer of a special plastic that protects the tooth from bacteria and cavities. Dental sealants are popular with younger and older patients, although anyone of any age can benefit.
- Icons: Resin infiltration can be used to remove or reduce white spots on anterior teeth caused by fluorosis without drilling. It also stops interproximal cavities between teeth without using a drill. This procedure can usually be done without anesthesia.
- Inlays and Onlays: These restorations are replacements for fillings and crowns that can treat cavities while leaving most of the tooth intact.
Anyone concerned that dental treatment is too invasive, expensive, or has a long recovery time should consider the benefits that minimally invasive dentistry can offer them. This new form of dentistry has helped Aloe Dental Wellness break the notion that effective dentistry depends on the drill and other highly invasive procedures. Dr. Cadavid uses dental lasers to perform most procedures that previously required drills. You can remove less tissue, speed up recovery and reduce post-dental discomfort.
Dr. Cadavid is glad to offer a brand-new office equipped with the latest technology and services in Spanish to UCSB students and staff, as well as the surrounding communities. Aloe Dental Wellness is proud to provide general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry services to meet the needs of your entire family as well. Please call us at 805-454-7727 for an appointment today.
