As we age, our teeth naturally undergo wear and tear, making them more susceptible to damage and decay. Biomimetic dentistry, with its focus on preserving natural tooth structure, offers an ideal solution for aging teeth. Dr. Marc Lazare and Dr. Therese Fay, leading practitioners in biomimetic dentistry, emphasize the importance of this approach in maintaining the strength and health of teeth in older adults.
The Aging Process and Teeth
With age, teeth can become more brittle and more translucent as the enamel wears down. The risk of dental issues like decay and gum disease increases as the teeth start to crack and weaken. These changes make it crucial to adopt dental practices that focus on preservation and prevention, rather than invasive restorative techniques.
Biomimetic Dentistry: A Conservative Approach
Biomimetic dentistry stands out for its conservative approach. It aims to replicate the natural properties of teeth, using materials and methods that minimize the need for extensive tooth alteration. This is particularly beneficial for aging teeth, which may be more fragile and less resilient to aggressive dental treatments.
Preserving Natural Tooth Structure
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Biomimetic dentistry involves using techniques that require minimal tooth removal, preserving the maximum amount of natural tooth structure.
- Strengthening Teeth: Through advanced materials that mimic the natural hardness of tooth enamel and the natural elasticity of the tooth’s dentin, biomimetic restorations can help strengthen aging teeth and make them more durable. Weakened, thin and cracked tooth structure can be supported by fiber lamination of those surfaces, which lends stability and support to those more susceptible areas.
- Preventing Future Damage: By maintaining the natural structure and integrity of the tooth, biomimetic techniques help prevent future dental problems, a crucial aspect for older adults.
Tailored Treatments for Aging Teeth
Dr. Lazare and Dr. Fay understand that each patient’s dental needs are unique, especially as they age. His approach in biomimetic dentistry involves tailoring treatments to individual requirements, ensuring that each restoration not only looks natural but also contributes to the overall health and functionality of the patient's mouth.
The Role of Technology in Biomimetic Dentistry
Advanced technology is integral to biomimetic dentistry, especially for aging teeth. Techniques like digital imaging, the use of AI enhanced x-rays and air abrasion allow for more precise treatments with less impact on the tooth structure, making dental care more comfortable and effective for older patients.
Biomimetic Dentistry in Older Adults
Dr. Lazare’s practice has numerous success stories where biomimetic dentistry has significantly improved oral health and quality of life for older adults. These case studies highlight the effectiveness of biomimetic techniques in restoring function and aesthetics while preserving the natural tooth structure.
In the following case, performed by Dr. Marc Lazare, this 85-year-old man was told by his previous dentist that his tooth had very extensive and deep decay and is not a great tooth to restore. They said one option, if is he is healthy enough to go through it, is for an extraction, bone graft, implant and crown. The other alternative would be to do a crown lengthening (surgical lowering of the surrounding bone) a root canal, post/core and crown. This patient came to us for an alternative to these invasive and expensive treatments. Dr. Lazare first tested his tooth to see if the pulp (tooth’s nerve) was vital. Since the tooth tested vital, since there was no infection detected on the x-ray, and since the patient did not have any pain, Dr. Lazare wanted to see if we could avoid root canal therapy and save the tooth. After very careful excavation of all decay, avoiding exposure to the nerve and steering clear of disturbing the surrounding gums, Dr. Lazare removed all the infected tooth structure and maintained all good tooth structure. He disinfected, prepared ands sealed all good tooth structure and fiber laminated all thin and weakened areas and rebuild what was missing, layer by layer, with the most advanced resin composite materials that mimic the natural properties of the tooth structure being replaced. He used materials with similar elasticity as dentin for the dentin replacement and material with similar hardness for the enamel replacement. He used biomimetic techniques and protocols to minimize the internal stresses on the tooth and to maximize the strength of the adhesive bonded materials. The result looks and functions just like the natural tooth, without multiple procedures and surgeries, without unbearable costs and without removing any good tooth structure. This procedure tooth about 2 ½ hrs to do from start to finish.
Biomimetic dentistry is particularly advantageous for aging teeth, offering a way to restore and maintain oral health without compromising the integrity of natural teeth. Dr. Marc Lazare’s expertise in this field ensures that older adults receive the best possible care, tailored to their specific dental needs.
If you're an older adult concerned about the health and preservation of your natural teeth, consider biomimetic dentistry with Dr. Marc Lazare and Dr. Terese Fay. Contact us today at 332-334-8290 to learn more about how our biomimetic approach can benefit your dental health or schedule an appointment to explore your options. Let us help you maintain your natural smile for years to come.