Biomimetic Dentistry in La Jolla

Q: How long do biomimetic treatment results last?

How long do biomimetic treatment results last?Studies are showing exceptional longevity for biomimetic dentistry using 3D ceramics. A typical half-life for 3D ceramic restorations is 15 years, which can mean they last upwards of three decades. While our treatments can be very long lasting, many factors will influence how long your restorations last. Patients with excellent oral hygiene, healthy habits, and routine dental care can expect the longest-lasting benefits. Under the right circumstances, studies show restorations lasting up to 20 years longer than traditional restorations.On the other hand, poor oral hygiene and unhealthy habits can dramatically cut down on the lifespan of restorations.

Conserving Your Natural Smile

TruGLO’s dental team are firm believers in following a restorative approach that prioritizes preserving natural tooth structure. Your natural teeth are highly effective and durable, outperforming even the best dental restoration materials. These concepts are what stand behind our biomimetic dentistry services in La Jolla. By focusing on conservative restorations, our holistic, amalgam-free approach benefits your smile long term while also delivering results marked by their longevity.

What Is Biomimetic Dentistry?

Biomimetic dentistry centers around preserving as much of your natural tooth structure with each treatment. Techniques are adapted to rebuild damaged or decayed teeth without removing large amounts of tooth material. The actual restoration then involves materials that reproduce the tooth’s natural strength and flexibility rather than relying on rigid materials.

Biomimetic Dentistry's Core Principles

Much of biomimetic dentistry owes its ideas to holistic dentistry, with core principles based around minimizing drilling.

Better preserve healthy enamel and dentin
Remove only damaged or problematic tooth structure
Same-day restorations for immediate benefits
Focus on biocompatible materials rather than metals
Rebuild the tooth in layers that resemble natural anatomy
Select conservative approaches whenever possible
Focus on strong, flexible adhesion for restorations to manage bite forces
Match restorations to amount of healthy tooth material

Conditions We Treat with Biomimetic Dentistry

A biomimetic approach can be used for most routine dental care, from fillings to fractured teeth. Any treatment that could involve reshaping a tooth may be suitable for an alternative, biomimetic technique. The top conditions we address via biomimetic dental methods include:

Tooth decay
Cracked or fractured teeth
Large or failing fillings
Worn teeth
Broken cusps
Teeth weakened by previous dental work
Teeth that might otherwise require a crown

Importantly, not every dental health issue may be suitable for conservative techniques. Rather, extensive decay, infection, or damage could still require less conservative care, such as a crown, root canal, or extraction.

Same-Day Dental Restorations

Rather than waiting weeks for a restoration, our patients can complete their restoration in a single visit. Using our in-office 3D ceramic printer, we provide fully customized restorations for:

Same-day veneers
Same-day crowns
Same-day dental implants

Advantages of Biomimetic Dental Care

When appropriate, biomimetic dental treatments can proffer a range of benefits for patients. While these can vary based on your individual condition and treatment plan, some common benefits include:

Keep more of your natural tooth structure
Reduce your risk of postoperative sensitivity
Minimize routine stress on the remaining tooth
Potential to reduce need for aggressive treatment
Some restorations are easier to repair
Improved tooth integrity

Common Biomimetic Techniques

At TruGLO La Jolla, biomimetic dentistry relies on a suite of core techniques. Each technique is centered around the goal of tooth retention without sacrificing the strength and pulp vitality of the treated tooth.

Conservative Cavity Preparation

We remove decay while retaining as much healthy tooth structure as possible. This allows reduced shrinkage stress on the teeth while still leading to a sturdy, natural-looking restoration.

Adhesive Dentistry

Modern dental adhesives are multiple times stronger than those of prior generations. Increased bond strength helps further the restoration’s durability while also giving it a more natural flexibility.

Layered Composite Restorations

Traditional methods often involve placing composite material in one large increment. In contrast, the biomimetic approach relies on multiple meticulously placed layers. The latter method reduces polymerization shrinkage and stress as the material hardens.

Immediate Dentin Sealing

We often can seal freshly prepared dentin immediately before the final restoration is placed. Doing so can improve bonding and reduce postoperative sensitivity.

Stress-Reducing Restorations

Reducing stress on the tooth (and the restoration) can contribute to better longevity. Key ways we reduce stress at the restoration-tooth interface include:

Fiber reinforcement
Flexible liners
Carefully selected composites
Specific curing techniques

Partial-Coverage Restorations

When appropriate, an inlay, onlay, overlay, or bonded ceramic restoration option is preferred over a full dental crown. When used appropriately, these options still protect weakened areas without compromising natural enamel.

Testimonials

Amazing doctors. Dr. Kalasho and Dr. Noonan are both amazing! I Had the best experience with them. They’re new to San Diego so I’m glad to have found them before they get too busy to accept new patients. Their assistants, Haya and Andrew, are also very kind and helpful.

M.P.

I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Noonan at TruGlo Modern Dental in La Jolla. The office is clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Most importantly, I felt genuinely cared for and comfortable throughout my visit. Dr. Noonan was thorough during my exam and cleaning, took the time to answer all of my questions, and made me feel very safe and well taken care of. Highly recommend.

Monica L.

This was honestly one of the best dental experiences I’ve had. I normally feel anxious before going to the dentist, but I didn’t feel anxious at all this time. Dr. Noonan and her team made me feel so comfortable and gave me so much peace of mind from start to finish.

Brittany P.

Biomimetic Dentistry FAQs

How long do biomimetic treatment results last?

Studies are showing exceptional longevity for biomimetic dentistry using 3D ceramics. A typical half-life for 3D ceramic restorations is 15 years, which can mean they last upwards of three decades. While our treatments can be very long lasting, many factors will influence how long your restorations last. Patients with excellent oral hygiene, healthy habits, and routine dental care can expect the longest-lasting benefits. Under the right circumstances, studies show restorations lasting up to 20 years longer than traditional restorations.

On the other hand, poor oral hygiene and unhealthy habits can dramatically cut down on the lifespan of restorations.

Is biomimetic dentistry more expensive than traditional dental treatment?

Biomimetic techniques are often more complex and involved than traditional ones. As such, the costs may sometimes be greater. However, the benefits to your oral health and the better durability of restorations can make the approach cost-effective by reducing the need for more expensive care later.

Is biomimetic dentistry good for large cavities?

Yes! A biomimetic approach can be successful for large cavities. In some cases, we can even maintain a biomimetic approach for cracked teeth.

Does dental insurance cover biomimetic dentistry?

The most accurate answer is: sometimes. Dental insurance plans vary widely from one plan to the next, with varying provisions for what is covered and what is not. Insurance companies generally do not necessarily consider biomimetic dentistry as a separate procedure. As such, coverage may still be based on the restoration performed, but it truly varies. Additionally, the out-of-pocket costs may differ based on your benefits, co-pay, and deductible. Our care team can help you understand what to expect based on your insurance or other planned methods of payment.

Are biomimetic restorations noticeable?

Biomimetic restorations should be less noticeable than traditional ones. With biomimetic methods, extra care is taken to match the shade, shape, and translucency of natural teeth.

Is biomimetic dentistry suitable for people who grind their teeth?

Some patients with bruxism may qualify. However, the biomimetic dentist at TruGLO La Jolla will need additional planning to manage expected additional bite pressure.

7514 Girard Ave, Suite 7
 La Jolla, CA 92037

Ph: 858-544-1737

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