PRESERVE YOUR TEETH IN NEW YORK CITY
Why the Biomimetic Dentistry Approach Is Winning
Minimally invasive, or biomimetic, dentistry focuses on preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. The techniques used in biomimetic dentistry restore teeth in a strong, conservative manner, helping produce durable and attractive results.
Using advanced adhesive methods, dentists can carefully seal the tooth against bacteria, helping prevent further deterioration and infection. These techniques may reduce the need for many dental crowns and root canal treatments. This approach may also help reverse early tooth decay through remineralization techniques.
What Is Wrong With the Traditional Approach to Dentistry?
Traditional dentistry can involve invasive procedures that remove large amounts of natural tooth structure to accommodate full-coverage restorations such as dental crowns. Historically, some of the metals, alloys, and cements used in these procedures did not fully seal or mimic the natural structure of the tooth.
The traditional approach may also favor root canal treatment over procedures such as pulp regenerative therapy, commonly known as pulp capping. This is partly because pulp therapy procedures can require additional time, precision, and careful case selection.
In general, the more invasive a procedure is, the greater the potential risk of complications. Root canals and dental posts may weaken teeth and make them more vulnerable to fracture. Crowns can sometimes irritate the surrounding gums and may be affected by cement deterioration or decay developing underneath the restoration.
Large silver fillings and poorly sealed white composite fillings may also lead to recurrent decay. Bulky or improperly shaped restorations may fail to mimic the natural contours of the teeth, contributing to plaque and tartar buildup. Over time, this may increase the risk of gum disease, chronic inflammation, and bone loss.
These failures can be costly both financially and biologically.
The Difference With Minimally Invasive or Biomimetic Dentistry
When restoring damaged, broken, or decayed teeth, the goal is to return the tooth as closely as possible to its original strength, function, and appearance.
A damaged tooth can be restored using a traditional approach or through a minimally invasive method designed to mimic, protect, and preserve its natural structure. Biomimetic dentistry seeks to conserve healthy tooth tissue while creating a restoration that behaves more like a natural tooth.
How Was Biomimetic Dentistry Developed?
The principles of biomimetic dentistry are built on a strong foundation of traditional operative dentistry, along with an understanding of science, dental anatomy, tooth structure, and careful diagnosis. With the development of modern adhesive materials, dentists are now able to accomplish more while removing less natural tooth structure.
Many of these principles were developed through research conducted at universities in Japan, Sweden, and Switzerland. A strong understanding of dental science and academic research has allowed clinicians to continue building upon these techniques.
We have practiced biomimetic techniques using a minimally invasive approach for more than a decade and have seen significant improvements in the dental health of our patients.
