Minimally Invasive Dentistry
This is a philosophy of a “systematic respect for the original tissue." Quite simply it is the preservation of original tooth substance. Although dental materials keep improving, they are not as long- lasting as your original tooth and whatever filling or other restoration is placed you can, unfortunately, be assured that it will one day need replacement. Therefore, prevention is better than cure. However, if treatment is needed you can be sure that we will use the safest diagnostic methods and recommend treatment that will aim to preserve more of your natural tooth.
Teeth being scanned with Diagnocam to detect tooth decay without x-rays
Minimally invasive dentistry can include:
• Diagnosis of tooth decay using low dose digital x-rays
• Diagnosis of tooth decay using Diagnocam
• Diagnosis of tooth decay using Diagnodent
• Fluoride application
• Fissure Sealants
• Air abrasion
• HealOzone
• Onlays instead of crowns
• Composite bonding instead of veneers
• Teeth Whitening to rejuvenate your smile
• Teeth Straightening instead of crowns or veneers
• Dentures or implants instead of bridges to replace missing teeth
Air Abrasion is a minimally invasive way to prepare a tooth surface for bonding tooth coloured fillings. It uses very fine particles of aluminium oxide under high air pressure. The sensation is of air blowing on your teeth. The particles roughen the tooth or filling surface and facilitate better bonding. Sometimes no anaesthetic is needed. The deep biting surfaces (fissures) of back teeth can also be cleaned and explored for decay without using a drill.
This method is popular with children and adults who prefer to avoid the traditional dental drill and who want the least invasive method of preparing a tooth.
Please watch the air abrasion video clip for more information.
