These days it seems that everyone is all about getting more for less—not there’s anything wrong with that. We want more quality and value, and we want it at an affordable price. Why shouldn’t this be possible with dental care? Enter biomimetic dentistry, which emphasizes a conservative, preventive take on modern dental care. Knoxville, TN general dentist Dr. Jim Erpenbach, a proponent of biomimetic dentistry, discusses the advantages of this innovative approach.

What Is Biomimetic Dentistry?

The biomimetic approach to dentistry emphasizes getting more for less. More what, though? More of your natural, healthy tooth structure, says Dr. Erpenbach, who uses restorative dentistry as an example. A tooth that has been affected by decay, infection, or injury must be restored with either a dental filling or a crown. Traditional dentistry generally requires a dentist to remove some of your unaffected, otherwise healthy tooth structure before placing the restoration. Obviously this is not ideal, but it’s better than allowing the problem to go untreated.

When Is Biomimetic Dentistry LESS?

Dr. Erpenbach explains that biomimetic dentistry involves removing less, if any, of your healthy tooth. Instead, your dentist will restore the tooth in a way that makes the most of the tooth structure itself. This also means less material is needed to fill or cover the affected area. In many cases, this approach can help you avoid the need for a root canal treatment, a procedure performed to remove infected tissue and nerves from deep within the tooth.

Our approach also means less sensitivity after your dental visit. Traditional dental treatments often cause sensitivity to heat and cold, and many patients experience slight discomfort when brushing their recently treated teeth. By avoiding this, we help you maintain excellent hygiene from the minute you leave our Knoxville dentist office.

Need more info? To learn more about our Knoxville, TN general dentist office, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jim Erpenbach, contact us at 865.240.2035. We welcome patients living in and around Knoxville and the greater metropolitan area.