Microdentistry

Microdentistry involves the use of magnification and illumination, along with state of the art technologies, to diagnose and treat decay at the earliest possible stage, and to minimize the removal of healthy tooth structure.

At our office we use the latest technologies to diagnose decay earlier than we ever could before. In addition to magnification, illumination, x-ray, and use of the dental explorer, we now also use a laser cavity detecting device, the Kavo Diagnodent. The laser actually ‘looks’ into the tooth, and can diagnose early decay before it becomes evident (and larger) on the surface.

When we diagnose decay early, we can use air abrasion to remove only the diseased tooth structure. Typically the use of the drill and local anesthesia is not needed. With the precision allowed by magnification and air abrasion, less tooth structure is removed, so the tooth remains strong after a bonded tooth colored composite is placed.

Previous to air abrasion, we had to use the drill, which removes sound tooth structure also, thus weakening the tooth, and making it more susceptible to fracture, need for a crown, or tooth loss. A tooth that is restored in a twelve year old will need to last 70 or 80 more years! Only by placing minimally invasive restorations can we prevent weakening that tooth.

Our office’s philosophy of microdentistry is on the cutting edge of dentistry. Dr. Stein became a founding member of the World Congress of Microdentistry in June, 2000.