Dental CE Course: Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry

Traditional principles of stabilization and retention are at odds with the function and mechanics of natural teeth, often resulting in irreversible damage to the pulp. A new biomimetic approach is proposed in which all of the prepared dental tissues are returned to full function through a hard tissue bond, allowing functional stresses to pass through the tooth as they would through a natural tooth. The result is a final functional, biologically compatible and esthetic restoration or crown. This is in sharp contrast to the PFM or PFC technique in which a stiff metal/ceramic coping makes the underlying tooth structure hypofunctional. New biomimetic principles will ultimately provide considerable improvements including the lack of need for intraradicular posts and full coverage crowns.