Minimally invasive dentistry

02 May 2013
Volume 29 · Issue 5

Caroline Cross explores the benefits of providing MI treatments.

The concept of minimally invasive treatment has been widely recognised within the medical field for over 40 years, with its first major application in dentistry in the 1970s. The initial ideology however has been around for a lot longer, with Greene Vardiman Black publishing his ideas on ‘extension for prevention’ in 1891. Often referred to as the ‘Father of modern dentistry’, Greene established the basic principles of preventative dental treatment when he looked to avoid the recurrence of dental caries in his patients.

Since then, the concept of minimally invasive dentistry has grown enormously, and is now highly popular amongst modern dental practitioners and their patients. Widely defined as ‘the application of a systematic respect for the original tissue’, minimally invasive procedures involve preserving as much of the natural healthy tissue as possible. Treatment focuses on re-mineralisation of the original tooth structure and prevention of dental caries, with as little intervention from the dentist as possible. Such an approach to treatment encourages professionals and patients alike to tackle the cause of the problem, opposed to simply alleviating the symptoms with traditional restorations. As a result, patients’ natural teeth are protected and they are far less likely to need further dental work in the future.

This kind of treatment also promotes a higher standard of overall health in patients, as the practitioner has to consider the psychology, health, function and aesthetics of the patient’s smile.

Another benefit of minimally invasive dental treatment is the lack of disruption to patients’ daily lives. More invasive procedures can require a long treatment time, and therefore can take a long while to heal. As minimally invasive procedures don’t involve surgery, there is often little left to heal, and treatment times are usually much shorter.

This is to both professional’s and their patients’ advantage – the less time treatment takes the more

patients can be seen in a day by the clinician, increasing revenue and enhancing the practice’s reputation. Most patients desire to spend as little time in the dental chair as possible and of course, the quicker the treatment, the cheaper it normally is for them.

Less invasive procedures are far less daunting for those with any dental fear or anxiety, and this enables practitioners to offer more suitable treatment options for more of their patients. As a result practices can provide treatments to appeal to a much wide range of patients, significantly enhancing the services they offer and further encouraging a full appointment schedule.

In addition, great scientific advances within the profession in recent decades now enable practitioners to achieve highly pleasing aesthetic results in a variety of different areas. With appearances held in such high esteem in modern society, this can be a huge influence over whether patients undergo treatment or not. Minimally invasive procedures are no different, and if anything, can give even more natural-looking results than alternative treatments, as the original tissue is preserved wherever possible.

There are many different treatments, techniques and appliances available to GDPs to provide a minimally invasive approach to their patients’ dental problems. It is important that practitioners are aware of the various areas in which they can offer less intrusive dental work to their patients, whether they need endodontic, cosmetic or orthodontic procedures.

An effective example of such a treatment option is the Inman Aligner. Providing a minimally invasive way in which to straighten and re-align patients’ crowded anterior teeth, the appliance greatly reduces the need for somewhat destructive porcelain veneers. The treatment causes little discomfort or disruption to the patient and provides an effective result in an average treatment time of between six to 16 weeks. Training courses for the appliance are available both online and in a hands-on format and previous specialist training is not necessary.

Dentistry has come a long way since GV Black published his famous paper, and the concept of minimally invasive dentistry now offers a very realistic potential for practitioners to provide much more conservative dentistry, while simultaneously encouraging health-orientated treatments for their patients. Taking into account appropriate case selection and suitability of certain treatments for individual needs, this approach is ideal for the majority of patients. We all know that ‘prevention is better than cure’, and by providing minimally invasive services, dental professionals can make a huge difference to their patients’ dental and overall health.