Minimally Invasive Restorative Dentistry - Well Being Dentistry Santa Clara California

Minimally Invasive Restorative DentistrySanta Clara, CAWith minimally invasive restorative dentistry, Dr. Christina Minah Pak, DDS and our team focus on preserving most of the original bone, tissues, and tooth while removing damaged or diseased portions. This process involves disease prevention and the use of modern dental materials that are highly durable to minimize the need for future repairs or restoration.
The concept of minimally invasive restorative dentistry is also crucial because it relates to cosmetic dental procedures. We will customize the process to each patient's needs. This way, you can be assured that this treatment will work for what your oral health needs to thrive.
Call us at 408-244-0590 to schedule an appointment and learn more today.
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Understanding Minimally Invasive Restorative Dentistry

Tooth repairs and restorative dentistry are all about removing and replacing the structure of the natural tooth to stabilize one's oral health. Minimally invasive restorative dentistry focuses on detecting and correcting these common dental issues on time to prevent extensive damages and loss of a significant portion of the teeth or complete tooth extraction. The family and cosmetic dentist use the approach to ensure patients keep their natural tooth structure for as long as possible, which is vital for a prolonged and stable smile.

Essentially, the objective of this approach is simply to preserve and protect natural teeth, gums, and bone, rather than remove and replace them. The preservation process is possible through disease prevention and early treatment. We will take time with patients to explain every treatment option to help them decide what is best for their dental health and satisfaction over the long term.

Our dentist will also provide education on oral disease prevention because it is essential for preserving oral health and its natural condition. Through the application of the latest minimally invasive dental procedures, patients can get more treatment options.

Our Dental Services

The process that goes repairing tooth damages and correcting imperfections in a smile has improved significantly because of the new developments regarding materials and techniques used to bond compounds and ceramics to tooth surfaces. The minimally invasive approach uses advanced materials methodically to support natural tooth structure and reduce the need for more invasive restorative procedures such as dental crowns. Some of the services available include:

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin to improve the look, feel, and function of the teeth. The procedure is particularly effective for correcting different dental issues in kids, including chipped or cracked teeth, slightly crooked or misaligned teeth, and minor gaps between teeth. The bonding process preserves the structure of the tooth, which makes it reversible and a preferable alternative to veneers. The dentist can customize the color of the composite to match that of the natural teeth.

The Dental Bonding Process

The procedure is straightforward and painless but can change the appearance of the teeth significantly. For patients who are concerned about the appearance of their smile, the self-consciousness and worries go away after the dental bonding treatment. Bonding is effective for repairing structural problems, as well as improving the color, shape, and size of the teeth.

The dentist will use a shade guide to choose the composite resin that is nearly identical to the tooth's color. They will then etch the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid. These initial steps ensure the bonding material adheres strongly to the tooth. Afterward, the tooth-colored resin substance is applied over the tooth. The dentist will mold and smoothen it to the desired form.

After that, the resin is cured with a special light to complete the bonding process. The dentist will finish up by trimming, shaping, and polishing the material to make it look like the remaining teeth. The entire process takes between 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.

Follow-Up Care

No special aftercare is needed after the procedure, aside from good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. The bonding material can chip, so patients must avoid bad oral habits such as nail-biting, chewing on hard objects, or using the teeth to cut items. If the bonded tooth gets chipped, a visit to the dentist will be required.

Remineralization Therapy

Remineralization therapy is a relatively simple and inexpensive method of preserving the tooth's structure. Demineralization of the tooth is a mineral loss, which is usually indicated with white spots on the teeth and could lead to tooth cavities. If the rate of remineralization is not up to demineralization, the white spots deplete into caries.

With lasers and digital radiographs, the dentist can detect cavities in its early stage. At this point, it is possible to reverse the progress of the condition, preventing the need for dental restorations, sometimes.

The Remineralization Process

This therapy demands the patient's diligence regarding home care and maintenance. It entails creating custom trays that contain calcium-phosphate paste, a material that is highly effective for treating weakened enamel. The patient will get instructions on how to apply the paste with the trays.

After using the paste for some months, the dentist will take X-rays to assess the level of mineralization. If the decayed areas have reduced or disappeared, it means no dental filling is necessary, and the natural tooth structure is preserved.

Non-Fluoride Enamel Strengthening Therapy

The tooth enamel is strong and helps to protect the tooth. If the enamel is weak, the tooth is more prone to tooth decay, cracks, and chips. Weak enamel can be caused by dry mouth, acid reflux, acidic and sugary foods, hypoplasia of tooth enamel, and eating disorders. In this case, the patient will benefit from enamel strengthening therapy.

The dentist can create a unique treatment plan for the patient, which could be in-office and at-home treatments. With the procedure, patients can strengthen their teeth, prevent cavities, reduce teeth sensitivity, and eliminate white spots due to weakened enamel. The treatment will also remineralize the tooth enamel and prevent future dental issues.

For non-fluoride enamel strengthening therapy, some of the options the dentist might offer can include:

Mineral dental rinse – to supply a proper amount of minerals
Mineral crème application – to create a protective barrier between the teeth and acids and bacteria with phosphate minerals and calcium
Tooth powder – a fluoride-free powder that reduces acidity and strengthens the enamel

Call Us Today

If you want to preserve your dental health with minimally invasive restorative dentistry, contact the dental office for an appointment. Our dentist will examine your oral cavity and recommend proper treatment. Call us at 408-244-0590 to schedule an appointment and learn more today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of remineralization therapy?

Remineralization therapy can help to prevent decay and white spots in people with braces. It also reduces the occurrence of dry mouth and teeth sensitivity, especially after teeth whitening procedures. The procedure restores the pH level of the mouth to prevent acidity or over-alkalinity.

What aftercare is necessary after enamel strengthening?

After undergoing enamel strengthening, patients must adopt good oral hygiene. This includes watching their diet for items like soft drinks and cleaning their teeth regularly. Regular visits to the dentist once or twice a year for checkup and deep cleaning is also essential.

Is it possible to restore lost tooth enamel?

While the body cannot restore or regenerate lost tooth enamel, we can help to restore damaged or missing teeth. Our cosmetic dentist and team will help to find a solution that meets your needs and restores your smile. We can help use minimally restorative procedures for an efficient treatment process.

What are the diet options that can strengthen the teeth?

Some foods help to remineralize the teeth and strengthen the enamel. The options include fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. In other cases, cheese and celery improve saliva flow in the mouth and balance pH levels.

How do dentists discover enamel defects?

During a routine dental checkup, the dentist will check for early signs of tooth defects with intra-oral photography devices, which takes images of the mouth. They will also consider results from digital X-rays, medical history, and lifestyle habits that may affect oral health. They will recommend options in minimally invasive restorative dentistry to repair the tooth and prevent further damages.