My Blog
Archive:
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (59)
- oral hygiene (16)
- loose dentures (1)
- pediatric dentistry (10)
- oral piercings (1)
- oral health (18)
- bridge (2)
- dental implant (1)
- gum disease (10)
- cosmetic dentistry (12)
- Cavities (1)
- Fight Cavities (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- x-rays (1)
- dental implants (15)
- Dentistry (2)
- Missing Teeth (2)
- Fillings (2)
- False Teeth (1)
- Gaps (1)
- Crowding (1)
- Cosmetic Treatment (1)
- Family Dentistry (2)
- Regular Cleanings (1)
- Tooth Fillings (1)
- Root Canal Therapy (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- dentures (3)
- CEREC (1)
- Dental Crowns (1)
- One Visit Crowns (1)
- smile makeover (1)
- tooth decay (5)
- nutrition (4)
- fluoride (1)
- crowns (5)
- Bridges (2)
- orthodontics (5)
- teeth whitening (4)
- medication (1)
- aspirin (1)
- Same-Day Crowns (1)
- Root Canal (3)
- sinus surgery (1)
- braces (4)
- gummy smile (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- wisdom teeth (2)
- birth control (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- Invisalign (2)
- age one dental visit (1)
- Removal Dentures (1)
- mouthwash (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- bonding (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- flossing (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- root canal treatment (3)
- mouthguards (1)
- apicoectomy (1)
- orthodontic treatment (6)
- retainers (1)
- sugar (2)
- tooth erosion (1)
- bad breath (1)
- pain management (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- root resorption (1)
- toothache (2)
- chipped teeth (1)
- chipped tooth (1)
- dental exam (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- apioectomy (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- laser dentistry (2)
- trigeminal neuralgia (1)
- facial pain (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- veneers (1)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- teething (1)
- tooth extraction (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- bruxism (1)
- night guard (1)
- gum recession (1)
- dental injury (2)
- tads (1)
- retainer (2)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- sports drinks (1)
Categories:
Since the late 19th Century, dentists have used established protocols to successfully prevent and treat tooth decay. But there've been changes to this approach the last few years to improve its effectiveness, changes we now refer to as Minimally Invasive Dentistry or MID.
The older approach for treating dental caries (tooth decay) follows the protocols established by Dr. G.V. Black, considered the father of modern dentistry. Black advocated removing not only decayed structure but also some of the healthier but vulnerable portions of a tooth, to avoid further decay and make the tooth easier to clean. This resulted in larger fillings, although they've become smaller as dental techniques have advanced.
MID, on the other hand, aims to remove as little tooth structure as possible while still effectively treating and preventing future decay. To achieve that goal we begin first with a complete assessment of a patient's individual decay risk, known as Caries Management By Risk Assessment (CAMBRA).
With CAMBRA, we're looking at other factors besides individual tooth health: a patient's hygiene, lifestyle and dietary habits; the types and amount of bacteria present; and the quality of saliva flow, needed to neutralize mouth acid. With these the results we develop a customized prevention and treatment strategy.
MID also focuses on detecting dental caries as early as possible. Besides traditional x-rays, we're beginning to use other methods like dental microscopes, laser fluorescence, infrared photography or optical scanning. Early detection leads to early intervention, and with techniques that are much less invasive than the traditional approach.
The new approach also changes how we repair decayed teeth. We're increasingly using air abrasion, a technology that uses fine particles in a pressurized air stream to remove softer decayed tooth material and less healthy structure than the traditional dental drill. We're also using composite resin and other advanced materials for filings: these tooth-colored materials are stronger than previous versions and are quickly taking the place of metal amalgam, requiring less structural removal to accommodate them.
MID's core principles are early disease detection, proactive prevention and treatment with less structural removal. With this enhanced approach to effective dentistry, we're keeping your teeth healthy with minimal discomfort, lower costs and less long-term impact.
If you would like more information on the benefits of the MID approach, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
