Revolution in dentistry: Healing instead of drilling for healthy teeth!

Revolution in dentistry: Healing instead of drilling for healthy teeth!

On June 2, 2025, a lecture by Prof. Dr. Christian Splieth, who deals with new approaches to caries therapy. Under the title “Drill or Heal: New Approaches in Caries Therapy”, the renowned dentist will question the classic concepts of dentistry, in which holes in the tooth are often treated with fillings. Entry to this event, organized by the city of Greifswald and the University of Greifswald, is free and starts at 5:00 p.m.

Traditionally, tooth decay is considered a chronic disease in which teeth lose minerals. Prof. Splieth's approach aims to not only repair damaged teeth, but to actively reduce or reverse caries activity through remineralization. The aim is to achieve real healing without drilling, which forms the basis for aesthetic and functional rehabilitation.

Innovative treatment approaches in caries therapy

The newer methods presented by Prof. Splieth are increasingly anchored in the concept of biomimicry. Biomimetics, the imitation of nature, plays a crucial role in modern dentistry, as explained on the Zwinge Dentistry website. This approach not only aims to treat teeth, but also emphasizes preserving natural tooth structure wherever possible.

Biomimetic dentistry uses minimally invasive methods and high-quality, metal-free materials to restore the balance between strength and elasticity of healthy teeth. These techniques are particularly relevant for the treatment of carious lesions and larger defects.

Remineralization and its challenges

In addition to the concepts covered in the lecture, research points to innovative options for remineralization. Current studies show that calcium phosphate systems, as described in a study in the PLOS ONE Journal, can be useful in the treatment of teeth at high risk of caries. These systems are designed to improve the effectiveness of fluoride, particularly under conditions of reduced salivation.

Various types of calcium phosphate remineralization systems, including stabilized and unstabilized amorphous calcium phosphates, are discussed. In particular, the casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) complex has proven to be effective by increasing the dissolving capacity of calcium and phosphate ions and thus improving the remineralization of teeth.

Although a large number of clinical studies show promising results, the widespread application of these techniques in practice remains challenging due to the need for knowledge and experience. Long-term data on the effectiveness of these new procedures are often lacking, delaying their integration into mainstream dental practice.

For those who would like to learn more about these innovative approaches, the series of events at the University of Greifswald offers a platform for discussing these topics. Further information is available on the Website of the University of Greifswald to find.

Those interested can also contact the relevant authorities in Greifswald directly to receive personal advice on the advantages of biomimetic dentistry and to find out more about the latest developments in caries therapy.