What is Micro-dentistry?
Micro-dentistry is a new, alternative way to treat decay
in teeth. The idea behind this technology is to remove as
little of the natural tooth as possible while removing all
of the decay. With the advent of our new bonding techniques,
decay indicating dyes, magnification, fiber-optic lights and
white filling materials, decay can be conservatively removed
from a tooth and a filling placed that will restore a tooth
to its original strength and beauty. Over 90% of the time,
we do not need to make you numb to do micro-dentistry and
air abrasion so we can eliminate the need for a shot. With
the reduced need for anesthetic, we can complete more work
in a shorter amount of time since we can work in multiple
areas of your mouth in the same appointment. In addition to
saving time, you will enjoy the reduction of noise normally
caused by a traditional dental drill.
How is this done?
We use air-abrasion, which is a relatively new process in
which a fine, pressurized stream of aluminum oxide powder
is used to remove the small decayed pits and fissures in teeth.
Research studies have shown that in the absence of smoking
and coffee drinking, if a patient has dark stained pits in
their teeth, decay is present over 90% of the time underneath
the stains. In our office we believe very strongly in prevention
and early treatment of disease. It just makes good sense to
treat small cavities early with conservative micro-dentistry
than to wait for things to get worse.
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The technique:
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Small cavities are identified and scheduled for early
treatment. |
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The teeth are isolated either with rubber dam or cotton
rolls and the decay is removed with the air-abrasion machine,
under magnification and special light sources in a very
conservative manner. |
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Special cavity stains are used to chemically stain decay
in the teeth to help us see any small spots so nothing
is missed. Once rinsed off, the tooth is now ready for
the filling. |
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The prepared tooth is treated with an etching solution
to roughen the surface and get it ready for the bonding
process. Once “etched”, the tooth is ready for
bonding agents and the conservative filling. We use special
lights to harden the filling and then complete the process
by polishing the filling. |
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The surface is sealed and protected leaving the tooth
restored to its original strength and beauty. |
Micro-dentistry is an excellent preventative treatment
for those who share our belief that early, conservative
care is ideal. You can have decay removed without
a shot, loud noise, or bad smells. If you have any
questions, just ask us about this new and exciting
technology.
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