Anyone that has caulked a bathtub, windows or similar areas in the home quickly learned that it requires a little science to ensure the caulk will bond to the intended surface, expand and contract with temperature fluctuations and survive the weather and harsh chemical conditions. Our teeth and their fillings are subjected to far more environmental, chemical and pressure stressors than most household surfaces are. By its nature, the tooth’s architectural structure must also be more intricate and varied than that of a home.

“Biomimetic” dentistry takes biological and technical dentistry to a supreme level, incorporating an understanding of the architectural, chemical and biological complexities of teeth, as well as their compatibility with filling materials. Biomimetic is a term that implies mimicking nature, a specialty of biomimetic dentists. If there is advanced decay due to delayed diagnosis (not uncommon, if exams involve only traditional X-rays and a pick), there are weak or fractured teeth or traditional dental fillings have failed, biomimetic dentistry will help keep them strong and sealed from further microbial invasion. Biomimetic dentistry avoids traditional techniques and currently used stiff synthetic materials, both of which cause debonding from teeth as they flex, which means the materials will fail.

Biomimetic techniques have almost eliminated the 60 percent destruction of a tooth typically needed to prepare crowns. Crowns and other traditional aggressive filling techniques and materials often lead to fractures, root canals and eventual tooth loss. Crowns, root canals and implants comprise the expensive last resort of failed dentistry.

In addition to providing an advanced and scientifically based understanding of mercury, fluoride, root canal and cavitation toxicity, inflammation and the compatibility of materials implanted into the human body, biological dentistry offers tooth conservative alternatives that include advanced diagnosis and less need for drilling and anesthetic. It also saves time, money, discomfort and most importantly, the teeth.

Carol Vander Stoep, a registered dental hygienist, is an advocate for a gentle revolution in dentistry, author of the book Mouth Matters and producer of two films and a video on related topics. Connect at MouthMattersBook.com.