Today’s dental patients are seeking less invasive dental techniques to manage their oral health needs. There are a number of leading edge Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID) technologies available. We use the following in our practice:
Magnification
The use of a dental loupes allows for a significant increase in the magnification of the treatment area. Typical dental loopes worn by dentists are 2.5 power. The increase in visualization allows for earlier detection of caries, less invasive treatment utilising micro-drills and specially designed micro-operating instruments.
Enamel Remineralisation Procedures
These procedures are utilised to reverse the onset of initial stages of cavities, rebuild tooth structure (enamel and dentin) and treat and protect exposed pulp tissue (tooth nerve and blood supply) damaged through caries. There are a variety of materials designed to aid in these goals and are an important development in preventative dentistry.
Air Abrasion
Air abrasion utilises a minute stream of pressurised air combined with an abrasive compound. The procedure allows for removal of superficial dental decay, improved bonding of sealants and tooth colored restorations, preserves tooth structure, removes stain and aids in the recalification of enamel. The treatment is painless and does not require anesthesia.
Biomimetic Restoration Materials
Biologically friendly dental materials have been developed which chemically bond with tooth dentin and enamel. Enamel bonding prevents further bacterial infiltration into the tooth and strengthens the tooth. New materials such as glass ionomers and giomers (tooth colored restoration materials) bond to the internal dentin promoting remineralization, decreasing sensitivity and increases tooth strength. Dental ceramics crowns are now replacing metal crowns. Other biomimetic materials can be used to cover pulp exposures ( exposure of nerve and blood supply) caused by deep cavities and promote recalcification and healing. Normally such an exposure would necessitate endodontic (root canal) treatment followed by a protective crown restoration.
Implants
Dental implants are cylindrical titanium devices that are inserted into the dental bone in areas of missing teeth. Implants serve as abutments for crowns, bridges and dentures. Implants stimulate and preserve existing bone following tooth extraction and preserve tooth structure by eliminating the need to drill tooth structure in order to fabricate and place a dental bridge. Dental implants have been shown to be 98% successful, and have the same lifespan as properly cared for teeth in many situations.