What is minimally invasive dentistry?
Dentists who embrace minimally invasive dentistry are committed to preserving as much healthy tooth tissue as possible during restorative treatment. Using minimally invasive techniques allows decay to be fully eliminated while keeping healthy tissues intact.
Remineralization is an important focus within minimally invasive dentistry. Your teeth are constantly losing minerals throughout each day. At the same time, your body is converting minerals in your saliva to restore minerals to your enamel, effectively strengthening your teeth.
It’s important to gain more minerals than you lose. That can be accomplished through fluoride treatments, certain mouthwashes, and enhanced oral hygiene. Embracing routines that support remineralization and coming in for routine dental exams increases the chances that your dental restoration needs can be performed using minimally invasive dental techniques.
What treatments are used in minimally invasive dentistry?
Dental lasers condense light energy into precisely targeted beams. These beams have the power to alter both soft and hard tissue, but in the hands of a skilled practitioner, they’re a safe method for dental care.
Some uses for dental laser technology include:
- Reshaping your gum line to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile
- Whitening teeth
- Removing oral tumors
- Removing tissue for biopsy
Dental lasers can even replace drilling when preparing a tooth for a filling. The laser can precisely remove decayed tissue and destroy bacteria before the filling material is placed.
Air abrasion tools are another minimally invasive option that can replace drilling. This technology uses a powerful stream of air to direct tiny particles toward tooth tissue, abrading areas of decay in preparation for a filling. Best of all, there are none of the sounds or smell associated with traditional dental drilling.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive dentistry?
Minimally invasive dentistry offers the chance to preserve the structural integrity of teeth. Because the treated tooth retains more natural tissue, the restorations are smaller.
Minimally invasive techniques are also more comfortable than traditional approaches. This is wonderful for people who have dental anxiety. In some cases, there isn’t even a need for an injection of anesthetic.
If you’d like to learn more about how minimally invasive dentistry can align with your dental care needs, call the office to set up a visit at your earliest convenience. Online booking is also an option, and takes very little time to complete.
