What Is Minimally Invasive Dentistry?

Minimally Invasive Dentistry is exactly what it sounds like — a way to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, while treating problems early and effectively. The idea is simple: prevent more, drill less.

Instead of jumping straight into traditional fillings or crowns, MID uses advanced techniques and materials to:

• Detect decay earlier

• Remineralize teeth before they need to be drilled

• Use smaller, more precise tools for treatment

• Reduce pain and anxiety for patients

🔍 Key Techniques in MID

✅ Air Abrasion

• A drill-free method that uses a fine spray of particles to gently remove early decay.

• Great for kids, nervous patients, or those with small cavities.

✅ Sealants & Preventive Resin Restorations

• Used to seal deep grooves in teeth and stop cavities before they start.

• Non-invasive and ideal for children and teens.

✅ ICON Resin Infiltration

• A cutting-edge treatment that can stop early enamel lesions (white spots) without drilling.

• Especially useful for treating early decay or post-braces discoloration.

✅ Biomimetic Materials

• Tooth-colored materials that mimic the strength and flexibility of natural enamel.

• Allow us to build restorations that look and function like your real tooth — with minimal prep.

💡 Why It’s Trending in 2025

Patients today want gentler, faster, and more natural-looking dental care. And with better diagnostic tools and materials available, dentists are more equipped than ever to catch issues early and treat them conservatively.

• More patients are asking for preventive care instead of waiting for pain or problems.

• Parents are prioritizing low-stress visits for their kids.

• People are increasingly focused on whole-body wellness, and MID aligns with that by preserving natural structure and reducing inflammation or trauma to the body.

🙌 Benefits for You

• Less drilling, less discomfort

• Fewer visits and shorter appointments

• Lower costs over time by preventing major issues

• Better long-term outcomes for your natural teeth

🦷 How We Practice It at Smiles of Spokane

We’ve always believed that prevention is the best medicine, and minimally invasive techniques are built right into how we care for our patients.

Here’s how we’re embracing this approach:

• Early cavity detection tools (like digital imaging & laser diagnostics)

• Conservative treatment plans that prioritize saving natural tooth structure

• Comfort-first options for patients who are nervous about traditional drilling

• Strong partnerships with patients: education, coaching, and personalized prevention

Ready to Experience a Gentler Way to Care for Your Smile?

Whether you’re overdue for a checkup or looking for a second opinion on a treatment plan, we’d love to help you explore minimally invasive options that fit you — your goals, your comfort, and your future smile.

📞 Call us or book online to schedule your next visit at Smiles of Spokane — where your natural smile comes first.