Background: Practiced traditional dentistry for 17 years before adopting biomimetic dentistry.
Program: Developed a program to reduce the need for crowns and root canals by 80-90%.
Biomimetic Dentistry
Definition: A dental technique aimed at mimicking natural tooth structure.
Problem with Traditional Dentistry:
Cycles of failure every 5-10 years with traditional fillings, crowns, and root canals.
Fillings grow into larger issues; crowns need endodontic treatment due to nerve death.
Origins and Development
Influence: Inspired by adhesive dentistry emerging in the mid-90s.
Mentor: Dr. Ray Bertolotti.
Research: Led by Japanese dentists, focusing on sealing out leakage and bacteria.
Techniques and Protocols
Steps: 12-15 steps essential for effective biomimetic dentistry, ensuring a strong bond and seal.
Failures in Traditional Methods:
White fillings do not last longer unless biomimetic techniques are employed.
Shrinkage of polymers in white fillings creates gaps for bacterial invasion.
Global Adoption
Adoption: Methods are taught in University of Geneva and USC, but not widely embraced across other dental schools.
Analogy: Compared to Dr. Semmelweis's advocacy for handwashing, facing slow acceptance.
Patient Interaction
Patient Education: Importance of explaining biomimetic techniques to patients using analogies (e.g., radial tire analogy for stress distribution in restorations).
Fiber Technology: Utilized to distribute stress and prevent failure during dental restoration.
Conclusion
Future of Dentistry: Biomimetic dentistry seen as the future, despite slow adoption.
Encouragement: A call for more dentists to adopt these techniques, inspired by committed professionals.