An image of a woman's teeth being checked by a dentist who practices minimally invasive dentistry.

What Is Minimally Invasive Dentistry?


Within modern dentistry and the development of innovative dental materials, a new philosophy has been implemented to preserve tooth structure. This minimally invasive dentistry is based on a medical model that fights against the disease of tooth decay and gum disease, known as periodontitis. It uses minimally invasive techniques to correct damages and restore teeth to proper form, function and aesthetics.

Dentists who practice under such philosophy use high magnification, and treat the tooth with minimum removal of tooth structure. They do this by carefully evaluating what is a healthy and unhealthy tooth structure. They understand how vital the tooth’s structure is, and treat it carefully so that the nerves within are not damaged.

If a cavity is in close proximity to the tooth’s nerve area, a dentist will use a procedure called pulp capping. Under the right conditions, the tooth has the regenerative ability to protect itself. Dentists should fully understand these mechanisms when practicing under these techniques. A root canal is not always necessary, and by practicing a safer method, teeth can be preserved.

A dentist is treating a young girl using minimally invasive dentistry.

Minimally invasive dentistry is important for the preservation of teeth.

How Minimally Invasive Dentistry Is Practiced

Dental professionals will focus on prevention through an early assessment and diagnosis of dental diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Today, research and new advancements in dental materials allow dentists to focus more on preserving your teeth. However, high skills and additional training is required.

Bonding techniques and new dental materials have improved so much that they complement the rest of the tooth’s structure. Usually, with these techniques, no metal or crowns are used. Instead, conservative onlays are placed.

You can learn more about oral health and dental philosophy by visiting a dental clinic. A dentist will give you more instructions on what to do to preserve your teeth. The focus will be on your teeth and gums, as well as preventing common problems by using adequate intervention and guidance. With this type of dental care, you’ll ultimately require less dental treatment, and treatment will be less invasive.

Minimally invasive dentistry focuses on correcting issues that affect the health of your teeth and gums. They will then provide guidance for a patient to achieve one common long-term goal: preserve your teeth.

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