Minimal Invasive Dentistry

The aim of minimally invasive dentistry, also known as micro dentistry, is to promote healthy structure of tooth, to prevent this reduction of enamel from the surface of the tooth. In this procedure, the dentists make use of better dental materials, that further promises healthy tooth by reducing the risk of tooth fracture. With this, there is no need for future repairs as well. This even saves time and money. It focuses on prevention, remineralization & minimal dentist intervention.

How is the treatment done?

First, your risk of tooth decay will be evaluated by your dentist. Strategies will then be used by your dentist to prevent or reduce tooth decay. Remineralization is performed to restore minerals. It is done to fix the issues done by the process of demineralization. A crucial part in remineralization is played by fluoride. Your dentist uses air abrasion to take out your tooth cannot be remineralized. Sealant fits into the grooves and depressions of the tooth and act as a barrier to protect your tooth against acid and plaque. Sealant can be placed at any time, and do not require cutting of the tooth. Inlays and onlays do not require dentists to take out as much of the tooth structure when they are restoring a tooth.

Minimal Invasive Dentistry Techniques:

• Air Abrasion is a technique that uses fine particles of aluminum oxide, glass beads or a baking soda mixture in a powerful air stream aimed at the decayed portion of the tooth. Compared to the drill, air abrasion leaves more of the healthy tooth tissue intact and sometimes eliminates the need for anesthesia.
• Sealants and Glass Ionomers are tooth-colored plastic resins painted onto the tooth enamel to which they bond and harden. They are placed into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of teeth and act as barriers protecting these areas that are most prone to decay.
• Composite Resin Restorations or tooth-colored fillings are now taking the place of traditional metal (amalgam). They require removal of less healthy tooth structure and in addition physically bond to natural tooth structure making the tooth stronger.
• Bite Splints are used to prevent teeth clenching and grinding habits.

Are there any Side Effects?

Minimally invasive dentistry does not add any risks or side effects to a dental procedure. However it is argued that there is a much greater risk of technique sensitivity resulting in highly variable bond strengths.

What are the post-treatment guidelines?

Minimally invasive dentistry does not alter in any way the post-treatment guidelines of a dental procedure, so the post-treatment guidelines of a normal procedure would be the same as the post-treatment guidelines of the same procedure but using minimally invasive techniques.