Biomimetic Dentistry
Tooth Conserving Dentistry
Biomimetic Dentistry treats weak, fractured, and decayed teeth in a way that keeps them strong and seals them from bacterial invasion. Biomimetic Dentistry is minimally invasive and uses scientifically proven modern techniques to seal and preserve teeth, eliminating the need for cutting down teeth for crowns and destructive root canals. Biomimetic dentistry is an effective and healthier alternative to traditional dentistry, “Fixing it right the first time.”
Biomimetic means to mimic nature. As Biomimetic Dentists, we treat the tooth in a way that allows it to behave like, or mimic, a natural tooth. We can rebuild and restore teeth with materials that simulate natural teeth much more closely and hold up to the daily stresses they encounter (chewing). Old techniques experienced with traditional dentistry can cause your teeth to eventually crack and leak, allowing bacteria to rot your teeth from the inside. Instead of simply filling cavities as though they were potholes, Biomimetic Dentistry uses advanced adhesive, or bonding, techniques to provide long lasting dentistry.
Another goal of Biomimetic Dentistry is to continually preserve the clientʼs teeth during each dental procedure. Unlike other parts of our body, our teeth do not mend on their own. This is why it is important to protect and conserve as much of the natural tooth and gum structure as possible. The most successful dentistry encompasses procedures that are the least invasive, therefore avoiding further damage to the patientʼs teeth and gums. This is the philosophy and primary emphasis behind the origin of Biomimetic Dentistry and holistic approaches for keeping the patientʼs teeth and gums healthy.
Why has Dr. Schwartz invested a significant amount of time and energy to learn the very detailed techniques of Biomimetic Dentistry? Refer to The Dental Cycle.
To read more about Biomimetic Dentistry, visit: Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry
Air Abrasion
Air Abrasion is an ultra fine, precise, micro “sand blaster” (compressed air plus aluminum oxide) that is used for a variety of dental procedures. Air Abrasion can replace the drill and allows for procedures to be completed with no or less anesthetic. Using air abrasion is more comfortable (avoiding vibration, pressure, sound, and heat) and less invasive. Air Abrasion is also a key component to being able to provide clients with high-quality Biomimetic Dentistry. We use air abrasion on almost every procedure for all clients. Air Abrasion is ideal for kids or clients who are fearful of shots and the drill.
Uses / Advantages of Air Abrasion
- Completely cleans the pits and grooves on teeth prior to placing a sealant. This ensures no decay or decay-causing bacteria/debris is left within the tooth which could potentially cause the need for future, more invasive treatment. The only way to predictably place preventative sealants.
- Proactively treat decay early to eliminate or diminish the need for the use of the drill or anesthetic. If a cavity is discovered early, repairs are small and conservative with air abrasion. The use of the drill unnecessarily removes healthy tooth structure in order to access decay, and thru vibrations on the enamel, the drill damages the tooth structure surrounding the filling or cavity being treated.
- Conditions all teeth that will have fillings or porcelain onlays bonded, this allows bonds to be extremely strong and long-lasting….mimicking the natural bonds within different layers a natural tooth. A strong adhesion completely seals and protects teeth from bacteria……a leaky filling which could decay in the future, this a critical step for Biomimetic Dentistry procedures.
Advantages
- Reduces need for anesthetic.
- More comfortable for clients: no vibrations, pressure, sound, or heat (all typical with the use of drills).
- Reduces risk of chipping/fractures/cracks in teeth (again common with the use of drills).
- Less Invasive, more precise = more healthy teeth remaining after procedures.
Uses
- Removes Decay (replaces drill/ no anesthetic)
- Cleans grooves and pits on the teeth prior to sealant placement. This procedure along with Laser cavity detection (diagnodent) ensures that no decay is under a new sealant.
- Cleans the surface of teeth that are going to have fillings, onlays (partial or conservative crown), or sealants bonded to them.
- Removal and repair of white fillings and sealants.
Safety
Air abrasion is safe. All procedures performed with air abrasion are done with eye protection, high speed suction, and a dental evacuator (“elephant trunk”).
Stress Reduced Direct Composites
Coming Soon…