Teeth are made to last a lifetime. However, without proper dental care, the teeth can become damaged. When a tooth decays or is damaged, dentists usually cut a lot of healthy natural tooth in order to accommodate a restoration. However, with advances in modern techniques, it’s now possible to be more conservative. Traditional practices of drilling and filling teeth with harmful materials are being replaced by biomimetic dentistry. This treatment aims at restoring and maintaining the tooth original structure, function and aesthetic. It’s carried out using advanced methods and biocompatible materials that are safer and much healthier.
Does Biomimetic Dentistry Prevent the Need for a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that involves replacing the infected pulp of the tooth with a filling. The pulp is a tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels which provide nutrients and feeling to the tooth. The pulp’s main function is to regulate the growth of a tooth during childhood. Once a tooth is well established, it gets the nutrients from tissues surrounding the root; hence it can still function without the pulp. The pulp may be infected due to tooth decay, large fillings, trauma, or advanced gum disease. There are some instances where root canal maybe necessary; however, biomimetic dentistry is a better alternative.
Biomimetic dentistry limits the removal of healthy teeth thus reduces the necessity for a root canal. Dentists have found this type of dentistry to reduce the chances of a root canal by about 90%. The materials used are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe. The technique used allows the material to dry properly creating a strong bond which prevents any leakage. Materials used during root canals or other fillings can crack and leak causing more complications and pain.
Does Biomimetic Dentistry Prevent the Need for Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a synthetic cap that is placed on top of a tooth. It’s typically used to restore a damaged tooth, prevent a cracked tooth from more damage, or after a filling. In order to accommodate a crown, a tooth may need to be reduced in size or some portion removed. Removing the excess amount of the tooth structure for a crown can cause irritation and inflammation to the pulp. This may necessitate a tooth removal or root canal. Crowns sometime crack, leak or fail since unlike natural teeth, they are not designed to withstand the pressure of chewing.
Biomimetic dentistry restores decayed and damaged teeth without removing any more of the tooth structures. It instead involves building and strengthening the remaining structure and sealing it off to prevent bacterial invasion. The treatment produces a healthier, stronger and long-lasting restoration that is not likely to cause more tooth damage.
Biomimetic dentistry is a less invasive procedure which significantly eliminates the need for dental crowns and root canals. As an alternative, it can help regain your tooth structure, function and aesthetic without having to worry about possible damage to your teeth.
