The dentist's office is not everybody's favorite place. Traditionally terrifying stories of painful procedures and endless drills have scared many people away from the dentist's office. However, an emerging concept gaining widespread acceptance across the industry is that of minimally invasive dentistry (MID).
If your dental practice is looking for innovative ways to make procedures more comfortable for patients, consider adding MID services to your offerings.
What Is MID?
Minimally invasive dentistry is a type of dentistry that aims to provide less painful procedures without the use of traditional dental tools, particularly drills. In an effort to improve optimal patient comfort, the mid philosophy advocates the use of high-tech treatment options that minimize pain and damage to healthy teeth.
MID techniques reduce the need for drilling and filling, which helps preserve the structure of the patient's tooth. The overall goal of MID is to conserve oral health and use the least amount of invasive treatment possible.
Benefits Of MID
There are many reasons why dentists are beginning to implement MID techniques in their practices. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Reduction of pain and discomfort for patients
- Decreased stress for patients, which is particularly helpful for patients who experience dental anxiety
- Lower cost of procedures, making high-quality dental care more affordable and accessible
- Preservation of the patient's tooth structure, appearance and function
- Decreased likelihood of repeated repair cycles
MID offers a huge advantage in that it allows dentists to treat many patients without using drills. This innovative treatment option is particularly beneficial for those who have a dental phobia or simply do not want to deal with lengthy or complicated treatment options.
Types Of MID
As advancements in dentistry continue to be made, more and more MID procedures are becoming available. Here are some of the most common types of MID that patients can undergo today.
Fluoride Therapy
Fluoride therapy is one of the most common minimally invasive dental procedures offered by dentists. Using a clear varnish, the dentist applies fluoride to teeth that are at risk for developing cavities or have already developed them. This treatment can be effective in reducing tooth decay and preventing future damage. It's most often used to remineralize teeth.
Onlays And Inlays
An alternative to crowns, onlays and inlays are minimally invasive dental restoration options used to repair tooth decay and cracks. Both procedures begin with a thorough cleaning before the dentist applies composite resin or porcelain material to the tooth. The outer surface of these restorations is shaped like teeth, giving them a natural appearance that blends seamlessly into surrounding teeth.
Bite Splints
Those who suffer from teeth grinding can use bite splints to prevent excessive tooth wear. Traditionally, nightguards are created by grinding down the patient's teeth to make room for a mouth guard worn during sleep. The process of creating this custom mouthpiece is known as the "try-in" phase. It can be incredibly uncomfortable for patients who must bite down on a tray containing their teeth while the dentist makes adjustments. MID can eliminate the try-in phase with a nightguard inserted immediately after teeth are cleaned. These guards are designed to fit over your teeth and prevent your molars from grinding down.
SS White Dental: Making Procedures As Comfortable As Possible
SS White Dental provides dental offices with the latest in comfortable procedures to their patients. Our specialty tools—including these minimally invasive preparation finishing and polishing kits—will help your office to deliver optimal patient comfort while achieving the best possible results!
Contact us today to learn more about SS White Dental or any of our specialty products!