Less is More: Biomimetic Dentistry Amid COVID-19

Dental phobia is the fear of undergoing dental procedures, which may be due to upsetting previous encounters. ?With improper oral hygiene, some patients may eventually end up with a decayed tooth, and tooth extraction is not the only way to solve oral pain problems. 

There are several options to save as many dental structures as possible before removing your patient’s tooth. Biomimetic dentistry is one of the options to be considered. The word biomimetic comes from the Greek words “bio” and “mimesis,” and these translate to “life mimicking.”? 

This method has revolutionized the way dentists reconstruct teeth, helping them to produce more life-like recreations of the appearance and function of a tooth. 

Facts about Biomimetic Dentistry 

Biomimetic dentistry is a type of tooth preservation that restores weak, broken, and decayed teeth, sealing them from bacterial invasion. The procedure eventually results in stronger teeth. In short, biomimetic dentistry promotes the advantages and ideas of tooth-conserving dentistry, such as: 

1.  More dental pulp protection, 
2. Crack repairs or removal, 
3. Pathology removal, 
4. Saving the totality of tooth structure, 
5. Tooth structure strengthening, and 
6. Delaying the retreatment cycle. 

 The teeth restored with biomimetic approaches will be less likely to require crowns, endodontic treatment, and possible extraction. The strategies and ideas behind the biomimetic approach allow the dentist to properly diagnose the patient.? This will also help them in the removal of caries and repair the tooth structure more conservatively and more naturally. 

Advantages of Biomimetic Dentistry 

Biomimetic methods are of immense benefit to the patient, especially from an economic standpoint. In the long term, procedures are often less costly, and restorations are usually repairable. With the “less is more” notion, patients are more likely to keep what nature has given. 

Pain in biomimetic therapies is easier to tolerate. The biomimetic procedure provides a more comfortable environment for patients and dentists alike. Besides, the dentist can offer a more reliable and effective treatment with a reasonable pricing structure.? 

There is a substantial economic gain for dentists and patients—a win-win scenario for both parties. The dentist efficiently operates and delivers longer-lasting and better restorations.? 

At lower costs, patients are able to retain their natural teeth in a healthy condition. Biomimetic dentistry makes them satisfied with the kind of healthcare service they receive. And this could be advantageous to dentists, of course—statistics have found that pleased patients are more likely to recommend the practice to more like-minded patients. Thus, it acts as an internal promotion strategy. 

Biomimetic Dentistry in the Time of COVID-19? 

Aside from the economic benefits of biomimetic dentistry to both patients and dentists, there are several other advantages this restoration process can give. In the long run, biomimetic restorations require fewer appointments. Dental practitioners who provide this service can accommodate more patients than traditional dentistry, which requires a lot of time from both parties. Unlike conventional dental practice, the biomimetic restoration will not lead to unnecessary, costly, and time-consuming procedures. 

During this time, when everyone is practicing less physical contact, Biomimetic dentistry is very relevant. Dentists will only meet with the patient when a repair is needed, or if the patient asks for an unrelated operation. Though no tooth restoration can last forever, a successful biomimetic reconstruction doesn’t require a second visit, unlike conventional restoration procedures. 

As the name suggests, the life-mimicking approach is to provide natural-looking, non-toxic, and long-lasting restoration. The benefits of saving time, money, and effort with this type of practice are not only for the patients but also for the dental practitioners themselves. 

Sources: 

https://www.aobmd.org/biomimetic-approach/#:~:text=Biomimetic%20dentistry%2C%20a%20type%20of,seals%20them%20from%20bacterial%20invasion. 

https://www.aobmd.org/faqs-about-biomimetic-dentistry/ 

https://www.dentaleconomics.com/science-tech/article/16391600/the-biomimetic-approach 

https://www.moorestownsmiles.com/5-ways-biomimetic-dentistry-improves-traditional-dental-procedures/ 

https://www.beverlyhillsladentist.com/blog/biomimetic-dentistry-a-higher-level-of-dental-care-at-a-lower-cost-to-you/