The dental field, like many others, is changing rapidly with the adoption of new technology. Each year more and more dental technology and instruments are developed to make dental work easier and safer for patients everywhere.
Think about how much your treatments have changed over the course of your life. Chances are the way your dentist cleans your teeth now is much more effective than the treatments you received as a child.
As dental professionals learn more and more about what it is we need to live a healthier life, modifications are made to the cleaning and treatment processes.
The latest advance in the field is minimally invasive dentistry. There are a multitude of benefits to this, but the most impactful might be the ability to stop cavities early.
If you’ve ever had a cavity, as many people have, you know that they can be painful and the treatment process can be uncomfortable. No matter how comfortable you are with your dentist, watching them drill into your teeth is disconcerting.
For people with dental anxiety, these minimally invasive procedures can make a world of difference. Dental anxiety is a very real issue. It can cause people with both minor and serious dental issues to avoid going to the dentist all together out of fear. This problem can spiral rapidly and eventually lead to even more painful and invasive treatments if cavities and other problems develop.
Minimally invasive procedures eliminate the need for drills and other sharp objects. Instead, resin infiltration (minimally invasive dentistry), protects the teeth and reduces pain. Without using a drill, the dental professionals avoid causing lasting damage to teeth that accompanies drilling into the healthy tooth structure.
Instead, minimally invasive dentistry can catch the decay and problems before it’s necessary to use drills and other painful tools. Now, cavities can be stopped much earlier. This eliminates the need to use fillings to correct tooth decay and breakdown.
The liquid resin is infused into the lesions and acts as a preventative measure. By sealing the opening it prevents further decay and progression of the cavity. Then, dentists use a blue light to harden the resin to ensure that it stays in the tooth.
There are other methods of minimally invasive dentistry, as well. Silver diamine fluoride is used for cavities that have progressed enough to be visible to the eye. This method is used more often for children who have a fear of the drill used for cavities, but it has proven to be effective.
While these alternatives to traditional treatments are great, dental professionals emphasize that they cannot and should not replace good oral hygiene. Patients need to continue to brush, floss, and visit their dentists for regular cleanings to keep their teeth healthy. As always, the best treatment is prevention.
Are you interested in learning more about minimally invasive dentistry? Are you considered that you may have cavities or other issues? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and speak to a professional.