Robert A. Klement, DDS
Robert A. Klement, DDS will have a short bio with brief information on their background. Please check back soon or view the link below for more information.
Find Us:
1310 River Run Dr.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Find us
Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (74)
- gum disease (6)
- periodontal disease (2)
- dental injury (9)
- mouthguards (9)
- oral health (31)
- oral hygiene (37)
- pediatric dentistry (7)
- teeth whitening (4)
- water (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (9)
- bridge (2)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- veneers (1)
- crown (2)
- tooth pain (4)
- root canal treatment (1)
- mouthguard (2)
- dental injuries (3)
- orthodontics (3)
- braces (6)
- clear orthodontic aligners (1)
- dental implants (22)
- smoking (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- composite resins (1)
- tooth decay (7)
- crowns (9)
- eating disorders (1)
- dental cleanings (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- tmd (1)
- tmj disorders (4)
- tmj (1)
- bad breath (2)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- thumb sucking (2)
- toothpaste (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- removable dentures (1)
- cracked mouth (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- dentures (4)
- bonding (2)
- mouth rash (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- sugar (1)
- nutrition (5)
- chipped tooth (5)
- teeth wear (1)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- orthodontic treatment (5)
- retainers (1)
- jaw pain (2)
- teeth grinding (1)
- flossing (2)
- fillings (2)
- missing tooth (1)
- x-rays (1)
- root canal (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- removable partial denture (2)
- retainer (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- partial denture (3)
- dental care (2)
- aspirin (1)
- dental visit (1)
- baby teeth (1)
- mouth sores (1)
- bridgework (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- extractions (1)
- bulimia (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- fluoride (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (2)
- x-ray (1)
- pregnancy (2)
- lingual braces (1)
- dental implant (1)
- antibiotics (2)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- vaping (1)
- diabetes (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- (1)
- smile makeover (1)
Categories:
New Minimally Invasive Techniques are Improving Tooth Decay Treatment
Although techniques and materials have changed, dentists still follow basic principles for treating tooth decay that date from the late 19th Century. And for good reason: They work. These principles first developed by Dr. G.V. Black—the "father of modern dentistry"—are widely credited with saving millions of teeth over the last century.
One of the most important of these treatment protocols is something known as "extension for prevention." In basic terms, it means a dentist removes not only decayed tooth structure but also healthy structure vulnerable to decay. But although effective in saving teeth, practicing this principle can result in loss of otherwise healthy tissue, which can weaken the tooth.
But with new advances in dentistry, decay treatment is getting an overhaul. While Dr. Black's time-tested protocols remain foundational, dentists are finding new ways to preserve more of the tooth structure in a concept known as minimally invasive dentistry (MID).
Better diagnostic tools. Because tooth decay can ultimately infect and damage the tooth's interior, roots and supporting bone, the best way to preserve more of the tooth structure is to treat it as early as possible. Now, new diagnostic tools like digital x-rays, microscopic magnification and optical scanning are helping dentists detect and treat decay earlier, thus reducing how much tissue is removed.
Better prevention methods. Oral hygiene and regular dental care are our basic weapons in the war with tooth decay. In addition, utilizing topical fluoride in combination with a milk-derived product called CPP-ACP dentists can get more of the cavity-fighting organic compound into the tooth enamel to strengthen it against acid attack.
Better treatment techniques. Using air abrasion (a fine particle spray that works like a miniature sandblaster) and lasers, dentists can now remove decayed structure with less harm to healthy tissue than with a traditional dental drill. And new, stronger dental fillings like those made with composite resins require less structural removal to accommodate them.
With these innovative approaches, dentists aren't just saving teeth, they're preserving more of their structure. And that can improve your overall dental health for the long-term.
If you would like more information on minimally invasive dentistry, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Minimally Invasive Dentistry: When Less Care is More.”