Advances in dental technology have produced some amazing results in recent years to the extent that modern dentistry has very little in common with its counterpart of the past. Many patients nonetheless associate dental procedures with pain and discomfort, but this is no longer the case. Modern dental health practitioners are also taking a proactive approach to oral care instead of simply providing after-the-fact treatment, and treatments themselves are increasingly designed to provide lasting results by addressing the root cause of the problem rather than simply acting as Band-Aids. One of the most innovative advances in modern dental technology is known as biomimetic dentistry, and it operates on the premise that teeth were meant to last for a lifetime.
Biomimetic Dentistry 101
The word biomimetic means to mimic what is found in nature. Biomimetic dentistry uses techniques designed to promote full functionality among dental tissues — its primary focus is to preserve the tooth. This is typically accomplished by only removing the areas that have experienced significant decay and other damage to the tooth and applying a restorative bond to the remaining tooth. Traditionally, dental treatments have become progressively more invasive, with each treatment resulting in the loss of more natural teeth. Biomimetic dentistry, on the other hand, treats decayed, fractured, or otherwise damaged teeth using minimally invasive techniques and sealing procedures designed to protect the teeth from future invasions of bacteria.
Unlike other bodily tissues, teeth don’t regenerate themselves, so it’s essential to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible in order to help ensure a healthy, attractive smile that lasts for a lifetime. Groundbreaking dental scholar and professor Dr. Pascal Magne pioneered advanced biomimetic techniques with his research and continues to teach them to his students at USC dental school.
The Biomimetic Advantage
Most people experience strong feelings of apprehension and even fear at the thought of having a root canal, but those going toe biomimetic route won’t have to worry about the discomfort and pain that are a routine part of a typical root canal. Biomimetic dentistry also eliminates the necessity for drilling in the case of cavities, and instead of traditional filling material, it relies on state-of-the-art bonding procedures. Biomimetic dentistry operates under the principle that less is more, and one of it’s guiding tenets is to avoid the type of traditional dental procedures that intentionally destroy dental tissue.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office at your convenience if you would like more information on the benefits of biomimetic and other modern forms of noninvasive holistic dentistry.