About the Biomimetic Principle

Biomimetics is a new concept in dentistry with one goal in mind; returning a tooth back to its natural state as much as possible. This process involves the mimicking of a natural healthy tooth when performing a dental restoration. According to Dr Magne, chairman of esthetic dentistry at USC and one of the foremost researchers in the area of bonded (non-metallic) restorations, “the physiological performance of intact (non-diseased) teeth is the result of an intimate and balanced relationship between biological, mechanical, functional, and aesthetic parameters.” He explains that natural teeth, through the optimal combination of enamel (the hard outer coating) and dentin (the softer underlying organic structure) constitute the perfect and unmatched compromise between stiffness, strength, and resilience. Alterations in the structural integrity of teeth due to restorative procedures and changes due to aging can easily violate this subtle balance, ultimately leading to increased failure. By following biomimetic principles, we can strengthen teeth by increasing their resistance to crown deformation. This is done by only removing diseased tooth structure and using modern advanced materials which imitate natural tooth mechanics much more closely than materials used in the past.

The biomimetic approach is not only tooth conserving, but it is also functionally and biologically sound. It is in sharp contrast to the traditional crown technique, which renders the underlying tooth structure hypo-functional due to its stiffness and rigidity. It is important to note that hypo-functionality caused by the crown technique also leads to an increased incidence of pulpal deterioration resulting in avoidable root canal treatment. A good analogy of this concept is having an arm weaken or atrophy due to being placed into a cast for a prolonged period of time. In addition, we often notice gum irritation due to traditional crowns being placed under the gum to hide the metal edges. These are all avoidable problems using biomechanically sound bonded restorations.

“The goal of biomimetics in restorative dentistry is to return all of the prepared dental tissues to full function by the creation of a hard tissue bond that allows functional stresses to pass through the tooth, drawing the entire crown into the final functional biologic and esthetic result.”

The biomimetic principles are very much in agreement with our existing treatment philosophies. We are excited to integrate these principals in our office.

Health-conscious Dentistry for the Future Generation

L.A. Health News

Today, we as parents, most of us are spending tens of thousands of dollars to fix your teeth, and most of it to repair dental work done (or often not done) during your childhood. Tomorrow, as our children grow into adults, and face the challenge of repairing their past dental work, that amount will rise ten-fold, as dental fees skyrocket and insurances pay less. It is a known fact, that most costly dental treatment in adults involves teeth that have been treated throughout the ages 8-18.

When a tooth with a neglected cavity is restored, many times its integrity is invaded, thereby starting a sequential downward cascade of re-filling with a larger filling, root canal, crown, extraction, bridge, partial denture. Along this path, heavy expenses, time away from work, pain, gum disease, TMJ, long-lasting anxiety and fear, health problems. Sounds familiar?

A filling is really not just a “filling”. A tooth’s restoration may range between a 10-minute, indiscriminate, “grind and pack”, to a detailed, conservative, bonded tooth-colored filling. The live tooth structure can be ground away at a startling speed of 400,000 RPM, or with the gentler electric drill at 40,000 RPM, or nowadays, with the ultimate in technology, the tooth-friendly LASER, which removes decay without even physically touching the tooth. All these, and many other factors, will determine how far along that downward cascade a certain tooth will follow, and how much misery and expense it will cost your child in adulthood.

We have entered the era of prevention, cosmetics, and laser micro-dentistry. Many dentists are now trained in extremely conservative and tooth-friendly ways to restore a tooth. Advances in diagnosing and filling early cavities, high magnification, lasers, and advanced bonding and filling materials should eliminate outdated restorative options for the new generation.

Most parents nowadays are eager to have their children get braces. Believe it or not, there are many options even for orthodontic therapy. In many cases, fixed braces can be avoided altogether, if removable appliance therapy is implemented earlier on in childhood, as early as 7. Between this age and the end of the pre-teen growth spurt, which ranges between the ages of 11-14, a lot can be achieved by appliances. These influence and steer the natural craniofacial growth patterns of the jawbones, to create larger arches, more space for all the permanent teeth, and a harmonious spatial relationship between the jaws and the skull. Mainstream orthodontics, on the other hand, may align teeth, but sometimes at the expense of four healthy teeth, small dental arches, stunted roots, a higher risk of decay, and retruded upper and lower jaws, resulting in a flat profile. Other problems that only manifest years later may be in the form of “TMJ”, premature wear of teeth, and sleep apnea.

Unlike yesterday, there are many options in treatment and materials, and parent education and informed consent on all procedures, material compatibility and durability, is and should be a part of all treatment of minors. With the big issue of mercury in silver amalgams, and a higher incidence of chemical sensitivities in the population, a biological and naturopathic approach to dental issues is a necessity not only for dentists, but also for all physicians, including pediatricians. The right choices we make today for the growing generation will be only appreciated later.

yesterday, there are many options in treatment and materials, and parent education and informed consent on all procedures, material compatibility and durability, is and should be a part of all treatment of minors. With the big issue of mercury in silver amalgams, and a higher incidence of chemical sensitivities in the population, a biological and naturopathic approach to dental issues is a necessity not only for dentists, but also for all physicians, including pediatricians. The right choices we make today for the growing generation will be only appreciated later.

The Benefits of Biological Therapies in Dentistry

Today homeopathy is an often used system of medicine which is not only safe, but also has no harmful side-effects. It involves remedies chosen on a highly individual basis. In the dental field it offers surprisingly effective therapies for toothaches, gum disease, abscesses, ulcers, children’s teething problems, dental fear and anxiety, etc. Since homeopathy acts on an energy level, it acts extremely well on children especially, because of their high energy, vitality and purity.

Herbal remedies can be used as teas which stimulate the body’s immune system and its detoxification mechanisms, and also as natural constituents in mouthwashes and toothpastes. Some herbs are not suitable for children, pregnant women, for those on anti-depressive or other drugs, or with liver damage. Please consult your physician before using herbs internally.

Aromatherapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, bioresonance, low level laser, biomeridian and bioenergetic therapy, applied kinesiology, osteopathic therapy and nutritional therapy can all have applications in dentistry. A biological dentist uses a multidisciplinary approach in utilizing these services, or referring a patient to specialists in complementary therapies, thus benefiting the patient as a whole.

Dental Homeopathy

Homeopathy has definitely found its way into biological dentistry, and today many dentists are using varying homeopathic remedies for various purposes. The ailments of the mouth, including the teeth, are in essence small-scale versions of other bodily malfunctions, and sometimes even one of their many manifestations.

It is therefore understandable, especially in light of the heavy emotional aspects of dental diseases and their treatments, that homoeopathy would be a valuable method of supportive therapy.

The modern concept of biological therapy may include classical homoeopathy, complex homoeopathy, isopathy, homotoxicology, auto-sanguis therapy, Sanum (Enderlein) therapy, nosodes, etc.

Many of these have their origins in Germany, where homoeopathy is well integrated into and tolerated by mainstream medicine.

Homoeopathy can be used in dentistry for anxiety, pain, sensitivity after fillings, infections and abscesses, gum disease, before and after surgeries, dental trauma, ulcers, etc.

Constitutional treatment by a professional homoeopath will also use deeper acting remedies to treat chronic disease, strengthen an individual’s general health, emotional makeup and immune system.

To find out more about homoeopathy, go to ABC Homeopathy.