All over the world, dental anxiety is quite a common issue faced by millions of people. It could be merely a thought of drilling, injections, and even scaling. The potential discomfort is like a nightmare and people tend to avoid going to a dentist. Fortunately, in modern times, minimally invasive dentistry (MID) can offer a better, more bearable, and gentler experience without compromising on quality.
Modern dentistry is based on innovation to treat dental issues while preserving healthy tooth structure and avoiding any major discomfort or pain. There are many benefits of MID and other painless procedures it covers; hence, today, exploring minimally invasive dentistry for painless procedures is beneficial for you to have a more comfortable dental experience.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Preventing problems is the foundation of minimally invasive dentistry as opined by expert orthodontists. The old adage goes true in the case of dentistry. The backbone of MID is the prevention of all dental issues. You can visit a dentist near you for a regular checkup and cleaning typically every six months is a good habit and can play a major role in any early detection of dental issues.
Early detection such as cavities and gum issues will help your dentist solve the problem earliest and, therefore, there will be fewer chances to go for any invasive dentistry treatment. The proactive approach will minimize the need for more complex and painful surgeries down the line. Your dentist may also incorporate fluoride treatments into your routine to avoid cavity risks.
Air Abrasion
Air abrasion is a gentle way to remove decay. Patients with smaller cavities and sensitive teeth would benefit from air abrasion better as compared to traditional drilling. Air abrasion is a fine stream of pressurized air blended with abrasive powder (generally sodium bicarbonate) to remove decayed structure from and around a tooth effectively. The benefits of air abrasion are –
- Minimum pain/discomfort: air abrasion does not require drilling and therefore it is painless or with minimum discomfort. It does not require anesthesia either making the patient comfortable and at ease of phobia of injection.
- Precision in surgery: air abrasion is a very sharp stream of controlled air and, therefore, it precisely removes decayed portions. That is how it helps converse healthy tooth structure preserving natural teeth.
- Quiet and smooth: as compared to the high-pitched whine of a dental drill, air abrasion is quieter and smoother. It does not produce harsh sounds and thus gives a relaxing experience to patients. As an indirect effect, it also attracts patients sitting outside in the waiting lounge by providing confidence.
Resin Infiltrations
Resin infiltrations are known to stop decay in its way only. Hence, it is a boon for those with very early stages of cavities or white spots on teeth called incipient lesions. It is a minimally invasive technique that applies a special resin material to the diseased area. The resin then infiltrates specific tiny pores within the tooth enamel to stop the progression of decay effectively. It prevents the need for more invasive actions.
In addition, resin infiltration also improves the appearance of teeth by restoring their natural color and preventing any stains.
ART – Atraumatic Restorative Technique
ART is a conservative approach typically used for areas with limited accessibility. The atraumatic restorative technique has become an integral part of minimally invasive dentistry today though it uses hand tools engineered for minimal tooth removal, decay removal, and restore teeth. ART is a perfect fit for patients with smaller cavities typically that of a child or patient with dental anxiety. As ART is performed without any drill or anesthesia, the procedure is convenient and considered a worry-free dental experience.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is where accuracy meets coziness. Laser technology has transformed the way dentistry is performed and for minimally invasive dentistry, laser is the best choice. They are used for myriad dental procedures –
- Decay removal: lasers are known for their precision. They can target a pinpoint area and remove the decayed tooth structure without affecting the surrounding structures and healthy tissues. Hence, this procedure is beneficial to patients with sensitivity or those treatments that are performed near any nerve.
- Gum treatment: lasers are also used to treat gum problems. For instance, the removal of inflamed (swollen) gum tissue in the treatment of gum disease. Laser is remarkably accurate and hence is used to minimize bleeding and discomfort as compared to traditional dentistry.
- Soft tissue treatments: since laser dentistry treatment comes with precision and minimum discomfort, it is used to treat various soft tissues in the oral cavity such as crown lengthening or frenectomy. A laser offers high accuracy with minimum bleeding as compared to traditional scalpel treatment.
Ready for Minimally Invasive Dentistry?
As stated in the beginning, prevention is better than cure. You need to visit your dentist regularly to avoid any dental issues. If you still contract any of them you can go for minimally invasive dentistry for painless procedures. You can contact a dental clinic near you and consult a professional and qualified orthodontist to know more about a specific therapy.