The push for minimally invasive dental procedures is constantly evolving. The more we learn about the body and how to provide dental care without harming vital structures, the better for our patients overall. Minimally Invasive (MI) treatments and procedures are better for patients because, when properly selected and performed, they are associated with less pain, shorter recovery time, need for fewer anesthetic drugs, and less bleeding.

What Is MI?

Minimally Invasive Dentistry is a philosophy that focuses on using the least invasive dental procedures possible to restore and maintain optimal oral health. While there are multiple procedures that can be minimally invasive, usually this style means there's less of a need for drilling and filling. As we learn more about the body and how best to work on teeth, we're able to perform treatment that can prevent or stop potential dental disease without causing unnecessary pain and still preserving the structure and foundation of the tooth.

How Does MI Preserve Tooth Structure?

While our industry is still learning about MI procedures, one thing is clear: following MI results in the preservation of the tooth structure. By minimizing the amount of dentin—which is the material layered directly under the tooth enamel— that's removed, dentists can conserve healthy foundations for the teeth and avoid the side effects that come with removing large amounts of tooth structure. Some of those side effects include:
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Damage to the surrounding teeth (which can lead to future dental work needing to be performed, like root canals or crowns)
  • Increased risk of chapped or cracked teeth
By removing the least amount of dentin possible, MI procedures can help protect healthy tooth structure, keeping the teeth strong and giving patients a better chance at avoiding future dental work.

Types Of MI Procedures

While MI is becoming more and more accessible in all types of dentistry, there are a few common treatments that often fall under MI's umbrella—while still preserving or strengthening tooth structure.

Dental Implant Placement 

One of the most popular MI procedures is dental implant placement. Dental implants are metal posts that replace a tooth root and attach to the jawbone, allowing you to regain your smile and chewing function while also saving your natural teeth from causing further damage.

Treatment For Periodontal Disease 

Gum disease can be treated by removing plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, along with infected gum tissue. However, if this is not corrected quickly enough, it can lead to bone loss around your teeth—in some cases causing you to lose them altogether. Ensuring that MI procedures are performed during treatment for periodontal disease (like scaling and root planing) can help preserve the bone and tissues surrounding the teeth, ensuring that your tooth structure is not damaged.

Mini Dental Implants

Similar to dental implant placement, mini dental implants are also an MI procedure that replaces a damaged or missing tooth root. While these implants look like traditional dental implants—with the metal post attachment and titanium abutment—they are much smaller and can be placed in areas that may not allow for a regular implant.

SS White: One-Stop-Shop For MI Dental Equipment

If you're looking for a place to purchase the equipment to perform these procedures, you've come to the right place. SS White Dental is a leading worldwide dental equipment company that's been creating high-quality products for years. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you procure the right MI equipment, as well as provide training and support as your business grows.