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The Brush Up

    Top 3 Things Providers Need to Know About Minimally Invasive Dentistry

    Minimally invasive care has become a crucial part of oral care during the pandemic, but as technologies continue to rapidly evolve, many providers believe it is the future of dental care. Here are 3 things providers should know about minimally invasive dentistry.
     


    Minimally invasive dentistry has come into the spotlight during the coronavirus pandemic because its techniques produce fewer aerosols, something that is viewed as important to reduce the risk of infection. But its ability to maintain tooth structure makes it an appealing option to patients and providers – now, and beyond the pandemic.  

    The American Dental Association describes minimally invasive dentistry as “a philosophy in which the goal of intervention is to conserve healthy tooth structure...Minimally invasive dentistry adopts a philosophy that integrates prevention, remineralization and minimal intervention for the placement and replacement of restorations.” The ADA also supports these techniques as part of standard procedure in dentistry.   
     

    Here are the top three things providers should know about minimally invasive dentistry.   

     

    1. Technology and innovation around minimally invasive dentistry is growing   


    New technology in recent years has brought more attention to this approach. Topical treatments to address caries are the most commonly used and recognized method of minimally invasive dentistry, but there are other liquids becoming available that have been shown in clinical trials to absorb into cavities and rebuild the tooth structure in its natural form. 

    Technology has made it easier to push solutions into place that actually help combat the disease itself, instead of chasing more and more cavities. Using minimally invasive care means dentists can actually rebuild the tooth structure while ensuring minimal damage,” explained Dr. Jeremy Horst in a recent Pearls of Wisdom video interview with Delta Dental President and CEO Dennis Leonard. “Providers are no longer trapped in a place where they need to drill anytime there’s something that looks like a concern.” 
     

    2. Minimally invasive techniques are especially useful during the pandemic   


    Many have heard that for dental treatments during the pandemic, providers should stick to prevention-based dentistry, or lower risk, minimal aerosol procedures. This preventive model is anchored in early disease detection, self-care education, and remineralization treatment.   

    This model is crucial to care during the pandemic because prioritizing low aerosol procedures means a lower risk of spreading infection; catching issues early means less intensive treatment is needed; and prioritizing patient education of warning symptoms means patients know what to look out for.   

    It’s also worth noting that minimally invasive care has been especially effective among pediatric patients, patients with special needs, patients without access to care, and elderly patients. It is not only a safer, more cost effective way to provide treatment, but it also makes treating vulnerable patients more accessible.   
     

    3. Providers can start using minimally invasive techniques right away  


    The big question many have regarding minimally invasive dentistry is when is the right time to use it?  Luckily, there are several resources available to dentists who are looking for guidance on incorporating this approach into their practice.  
     
    · Several organizations (such as the ADA) have published articles framing rationale and treatment approaches for minimally invasive dentistry to help determine when and where to use non-invasive treatments and what success to expect. 
    · There are several online training modules offering CE credits that address technique and handling for these materials. For example, Elevate Oral Care offers several courses related to minimally invasive dentistry. 
    · There are also other types of educational materials out there for providers to learn more. A great resource is a YouTube video series demonstrating the SMART Hall Crown technique.  
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    Regardless of COVID-19, minimally invasive dentistry is the future of dentistry. It’s cheaper, easier, and more patient friendly. This new form of caring for patients that has the potential to change the way dentists approach preventative oral health, and it’s here to stay.