Dr. Michelle Jorgensen
September 10,2024
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Are Crowns Necessary? What About Root Canals? Learn More About Biomimetic Dentistry
Have you ever been told you need a root canal or crown and felt a sinking feeling?
Or have you had a root canal that failed and had to get it redone?
What about pain after getting a crown?
Do you want other options? You’re not alone!
Today, we’re diving into the idea of biomimetic dentistry and how biomimetic dentistry can be a far better option then the traditional root canal treatment and crowns.
Biomimetic dentistry is an approach that challenges the traditional “drill and fill” mentality. Biomimetics in dentistry focuses on regenerating lost dental tissues instead of merely replacing them with traditional materials, offering a transformative approach that improves biocompatibility. Biomimetic procedures are more efficient and cost-effective, requiring fewer appointments and eliminating the need for drilling and anesthesia, thereby saving time and strengthening natural teeth.
The Root Canal and Crown Conundrum
Root canals and crowns are extremely common dental procedures…and almost too common. Before you get a crown or a root canal, please do your research.
Most of the time root canal treatment and a dental crown is not your only solution. Conventional treatment methods like root canals and crowns come with risks such as root fractures and infections. However, in cases of a broken tooth, a dental crown is often recommended to prevent further damage and infection.
Biomimetic Dentistry is a great option that can save your tooth and avoid these drawbacks by focusing on tooth conserving dentistry, which emphasizes preserving healthy tooth structure.
Before we get to the ins and outs of Biomimetic Dentistry…let’s break down some concerns about root canals and crowns and why we want to avoid those dental procedures:
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal removes the infected pulp (nerve and blood vessels) inside the tooth. Often, root canal treatment is necessary to address an infected tooth and prevent further complications. The issue? Tiny canals (or tubules) branching off the main one can’t be cleaned…it’s impossible to clean all of the tiny tiny tubules in the teeth and the root canal treatment will leave dead tissue behind.
This dead tissue attracts bacteria, leading to infection and bone loss.
Additionally, the tooth becomes brittle after a root canal treatment, often requiring a crown. Biomimetic dentistry techniques can significantly lower the occurrence of unnecessary root canals by preserving healthy tooth structure and effectively treating weak and decayed teeth.
Dental Crown Treatment:
Crowns are typically placed on teeth with extensive fillings or fractures. While they offer support, they require significant tooth structure removal, exposing the dentin (layer beneath enamel) and increasing sensitivity.
In some cases, a dental implant might be a better option than a crown, especially when the tooth is too damaged to support a crown. Dental implants provide a permanent solution by replacing the entire tooth structure, which can be more beneficial for long-term dental health.
The crown attachment (bonding) isn’t as strong to dentin as it is to enamel, potentially leading to leaks and further problems. Once you have a crown you’ll always have to have the crown or remove the tooth. There’s no going back to the original structure of the tooth because of the extensive tooth structure removal.
In contrast, bonded porcelain restorations used in biomimetic dentistry preserve more of the natural tooth structure and offer superior bonding to enamel, reducing the risk of leaks and sensitivity. Additionally, glass ionomer cement is often used in biomimetic dentistry due to its excellent marginal sealing capabilities and biological properties, making it a preferable choice over traditional materials.
Signs and Symptoms of Pulpal Damage
Recognizing the early signs of pulpal damage is crucial for timely dental treatment. Here are some common indicators that you might be dealing with pulpal damage:
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Tooth Pain or Sensitivity: If you experience sharp or throbbing tooth pain, especially when consuming hot or cold beverages, it could be a sign of pulpal damage.
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Swelling or Tenderness in the Gums: Noticeable swelling or tenderness in the gums surrounding the affected tooth is another red flag.
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Discoloration or Graying of the Tooth: A tooth that appears discolored or gray may indicate that the pulp inside is damaged.
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Prolonged Sensitivity to Sweet or Sour Tastes: If your tooth remains sensitive long after consuming sweet or sour foods, it might be time to see your dentist.
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Pain When Biting or Chewing: Discomfort or pain when applying pressure to the tooth can be a symptom of pulpal damage.
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Swelling or Tenderness in the Face or Jaw: In more severe cases, you might notice swelling or tenderness extending to your face or jaw.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your dentist to determine the cause and appropriate course of treatment. Early intervention can save your natural tooth and prevent more extensive dental procedures.
The Dangers of the Downward Spiral
Root Canal treatment and Crowns have a big potential consequence – a downward spiral.
A root canal weakens the tooth, often leading to a crown, which can then fracture. The use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in biomimetic dentistry can help prevent these fractures and infections due to its superior sealing ability and stability. This cycle of weakening and fracturing can ultimately result in damaged teeth and ultimately a tooth extraction. Addressing a diseased tooth promptly can prevent this downward spiral of dental issues. And because it’s impossible to completely clean out the tubules during the root canal procedure, your root canal tooth is bound for infection.
Infection will result in many different symptoms: Abscesses, joint pain, infection and inflammation in the body, brain fog, lack of energy, sinus issues, sleeping problems, and more.
Biomimetic Dentistry: Mimicking Nature for Better Results
Biomimetic dentistry, as the name suggests, mimics nature. Here’s how it offers an alternative:
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Saving the Nerve: If the nerve is affected (sensitive due to a crack or deep cavity), but not infected, biomimetic dentistry aims to preserve it.
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Biomimetic Restorations: A biomimetic approach minimizes shrinkage and stress during dental filling processes, promoting techniques that enhance remineralization and durability in dental restorations. Ozone therapy can kill bacteria within the tooth without harming the nerve. This allows the tooth to potentially heal itself.
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Conservative Restorations: If a tooth needs repair, biomimetic dentistry promotes using onlays instead of crowns. Onlays only cover the damaged portion, preserving more healthy tooth structure and minimizing stress on the tooth. More of the tooth is able to be saved, and infection is prevented.
Let’s clear up some questions…
There are specific times when root canal therapy is needed.
If the tooth is dead and you are not old enough to get an implant, then a root canal can save space until you are able to get a ceramic implant. Just remember to watch it closely for infection.
Just like root canals, there are specific times when crowns are needed. If there is not enough tooth structure left to hold anything on, then you’ll want a crown. OR if you’ve already had a crown before then you’ll want to get another one.
The Benefits of Biomimetic Dentistry:
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Preserves Natural Tooth Structure: Biomimetic dentistry prioritizes your natural tooth. This can improve long-term oral health and potentially reduce the need for future procedures.
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Reduces Risk of Infection: Preserving the nerve minimizes the risk of infection associated with dead tissue in root canals.
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Improved Longevity: By keeping your natural tooth structure intact, you may extend the lifespan of your teeth.
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Enhanced Aesthetics: Biomimetic dentistry often utilizes composite materials that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing restoration.
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Potential Cost Savings: While initial treatments may be similar, avoiding root canals and crowns in the long run can lead to significant cost savings.
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Advanced Adhesive Dentistry: Utilizes advanced adhesive methods to prevent shrinkage and gaps, which can lead to premature dental failures.
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Supports Remineralization: The use of calcium and phosphate ions in biomimetic dentistry aids in the remineralization process, restoring lost minerals in demineralized tissues and promoting the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals, which are essential for dental health and cavity prevention.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Numerous patients have experienced significant benefits from root canal treatment and dental crowns. Here are a few success stories that highlight the effectiveness of these procedures:
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Saving a Badly Decayed Tooth: A 35-year-old patient faced the prospect of losing a badly decayed tooth. Through root canal treatment, the infected pulp was removed, and a permanent crown was placed. This restored the tooth’s natural appearance and function, allowing the patient to avoid extraction and maintain their natural tooth.
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Alleviating Tooth Pain from a Fractured Tooth: A 50-year-old patient suffered from severe tooth pain and sensitivity due to a fractured tooth. A dental crown was placed over the fractured tooth, alleviating the pain and preventing further damage. The patient was able to chew comfortably again and avoid more invasive procedures.
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Restoring a Discolored Tooth: A 25-year-old patient had a discolored tooth due to pulpal damage. After a root canal procedure to remove the damaged pulp, a dental crown was placed. The result was a natural-looking and healthy tooth, boosting the patient’s confidence and oral health.
These success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of root canal treatment and dental crowns in restoring oral health and aesthetics. If you’re experiencing similar issues, consult your dentist to explore these proven solutions.
Finding a Biomimetic Dentist
Biomimetic dentistry requires specialized training. Here are some tips for finding a qualified dentist:
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Ask if they perform onlays and use ozone therapy
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Research dental practices that advertise biomimetic dentistry.
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Consider referrals from other dentists or patients who have had success with this approach.
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Check for certifications or memberships in organizations related to biomimetic dentistry.
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Check my dentist directory
Remember: This blog post provides information, but it’s not a substitute for professional dental advice. Every situation is unique. Consult a holistic or biological dentist that can look over your health history to determine what course of treatment is best for you.
By understanding biomimetic dentistry, you might have more options when it comes to saving your natural teeth!
Additional Insights on Tooth Structure:
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The Importance of Early Detection: Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection of cavities and other dental issues. This can help prevent problems from escalating to the point of needing a root canal or crown. Less dentistry is the best dentistry, and biomimetic dentistry promotes a more conservative and less invasive approach.
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Home Care Matters: Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day with a hydroxyapatite tooth powder, flossing, and using a tongue scraper, and safe mouthwash can help prevent dental problems in the first place. Check out my tooth powder, mouthwash, and floss here.
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Consult Multiple Dentists: If you’re unsure about a recommended procedure, it’s always a good idea to seek a second opinion.
By exploring biomimetic dentistry, you may discover a more conservative and potentially life-saving approach to dental care.