Minimally Invasive Dentistry at Shady Grove

Dentistry today is changing as more modern techniques and materials replace the old methods we have all come to associate with the dentist's chair. Many dentists are adopting these practices, called minimally invasive dentistry or MID.

Minimally invasive dentistry focuses on techniques that preserve more of a tooth's structure. The discipline focuses on prevention and preservation. MID's philosophy is to save the teeth and keep them healthy and functional in the mouth of the patient for as long as possible.

How is minimally invasive dentistry different?

The primary focus of pediatric dentistry is to help children retain their natural teeth for as long as possible. Minimally invasive dentistry allows this by first focusing on preventing many common dental problems. Then, if problems do occur, restorations are provided to preserve as much of a patient's tooth as possible.

‍Focus on Prevention

A minimally invasive kid's dentist encourages patients to engage in rigorous home hygiene to help preserve their teeth and prevent dental problems later on.

Dr. Ball will talk about changing the types of food you eat. Dietary changes might include eating primarily whole, plant-based foods. Most processed foods high in simple sugars will need to be eliminated. And adding fermented dairy like yogurt high in probiotics can also help create healthy microflora in the mouth and throughout the body. 

‍Gentler Dentistry

In the past, kid's dentists were taught to drill out dental decay and cavities and even drill out undecayed grooves that might decay in the future. Back then, dentists were less concerned about destroying tooth structure. But today, we focus more on keeping as much of the tooth intact as possible.

Drilling still has a place in minimally invasive dentistry. Still, more care is taken on how drilling is done by using the smallest burs possible on a drill and high-powered magnification.

‍Healthier Restorations

Dr. Ball, your pediatric dentist, uses several types of minimally invasive techniques for infants and children, such as:

• Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) - a non-surgical alternative to fillings. The medication is applied to tooth decay to destroy the bacteria that caused the cavity. SDF is a great desensitizing agent used to treat severe hypersensitivity.
• Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART) - a method to treat cavities without needing needles or sedation. Dr. Ball can fill the cavity without requiring local anesthesia or without the use of the dreaded high-speed drill or scary surgical instruments. It is fantastic for hypersensitive kids and special needs patients.
• Hall crowns - pre-formed medical grade stainless steel crown that fits over your child's tooth and is bonded in place. Hall crowns do not need drilling or removal of part of the tooth. No more amalgam fillings, which contain 51% mercury and require more extensive preparation in the tooth. 

Visit Your Minimally Invasive Kid's Dentist in Rockville, MD

Minimally invasive dentistry is a win-win for patients: Less expensive techniques, fewer dental issues, and fewer drilling and needles. For more information on minimally invasive dentistry for kids or to schedule an appointment, call Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry.

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