When you are looking for a family dentist, one of your top priorities is to find someone who truly wants to help you maintain your natural smile. At Evergreen Dental Care, we aim to work with you to avoid tooth loss and achieve your most beautiful smile. That’s why we focus on minimally invasive dentistry to preserve as much of your tooth structure as possible.
The idea of minimally invasive dentistry has started gaining in popularity as more and more patients have adopted the view that preventative dentistry is better than waiting for a problem to arise before thinking about their oral health. If you think about it, minimally invasive dentistry makes sense. Who wouldn’t want to preserve their teeth and make fewer visits to the dentist? Considering minimally invasive dentistry in Troy, NY, you can save time and money.
What Is Minimally Invasive Family Dentistry in Troy, NY?
Also known as microdentistry, minimally invasive dentistry is a dental approach to improve oral health by leaving as much of your tooth structure intact as possible. Although your dentist may have to perform dental procedures if there is a problem with your teeth, the goal is to make the least number of dental repairs; hopefully, this will decrease future dental concerns and improve overall oral health.
Before your dentist performs any dental procedures, they will conduct tests to evaluate your risk for tooth decay so they can make recommendations on how to help you with potential oral health issues down the road.
Your dentist may recommend the following techniques to help you prevent tooth decay:
- Consuming fewer sugars and carbohydrates
- Using mouthwash daily
- Practicing good oral hygiene
What Minimally Invasive Techniques Are Available?
Remineralization – This technique focuses on replacing minerals in your teeth. When your teeth have more minerals, they are less porous and less likely to develop tooth decay. One way to remineralize your teeth is to administer fluoride treatment during your regular dental cleanings.
Dental sealants – Another minimally invasive technique is to apply dental sealants. These sealants are placed in the grooves of your teeth to protect against bacteria, plaque, acid, and tooth decay. Regardless of your tooth structure, dental sealants can be used.
Onlays and inlays – Another minimally invasive technique dentists use to preserve as much tooth structure as possible are onlays and inlays. Dental crowns require quite a bit of your tooth to be removed before the crown can be placed on top of your tooth. Onlays and inlays require less tooth removal. If you need a fairly extensive tooth reconstruction, you may need an onlay. An inlay is created to fit your tooth and is more like a dental filling for less extensive tooth reconstruction.
Bite splints – If you grind your teeth when you’re sleeping or experience stress, it can cause extensive damage to your teeth. This grinding, called bruxism, can often be stopped with a minimally invasive bite splint that you wear at night to keep you from damaging your teeth.
Dental veneers – In addition to procedures to restore your teeth and keep them healthy, dental veneers are another minimally invasive technique that is more cosmetic in nature. Dental veneers can improve your smile if you have misshapen teeth, your teeth are too small, or they are chipped or cracked. Your dentist will place a thin porcelain shell on the front side of your tooth to give you the look you want. Veneers can be matched to your natural tooth color, and they require a minimal amount of tooth removal.
How Can You Avoid a Same-Day Emergency in Troy, NY?
You never know when you might need emergency dentistry. At Evergreen Dental Care, we are here to help you in the case of a dental emergency. If you or someone in your family is experiencing a dental emergency, such as dental pain or a broken tooth, please call our office immediately. We will either see you in our office or advise you on handling the emergency.
Regarding minimally invasive dentistry, oral hygiene can sometimes play a role in a dental emergency. We strongly recommend you make and keep regular check-ups with us to maintain clean teeth and avoid plaque and tartar build-up. Visiting our office twice a year also allows us to examine your teeth and gums and spot any potential issues before they become a problem that requires extensive treatment.
We also recommend avoiding too much sugar and acid in your food and drink to keep your mouth healthy.
Are You Considering Dental Veneers in Troy?
If you would like to learn more about our minimally invasive dental philosophy or are interested in scheduling a consultation about dental veneers, please call our dental office at (518) 273-0089. At Evergreen Dental Care, keeping your natural smile is our top priority, and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with you and your family.