Minimally Invasive Treatment Concepts in the Era of Digital Dentistry

Digital technologies represent one of the most rapidly advancing domains in contemporary restorative dentistry. For many years, the limited machinability of digitally manufactured restorative materials posed significant challenges, particularly in minimally invasive restorations, where marginal chipping was frequently observed. Recent developments in chairside manufacturing devices and 3D printing now enable faster and more precise fabrication, with material-specific processing strategies optimized for individual digital restorative materials. Comprehensive oral rehabilitations remain highly demanding for both clinicians and dental technicians. The implementation of fully digital workflows has substantially facilitated these complex treatments. A variety of digital analysis tools have been introduced to assess the interrelationships between facial, dental, and functional parameters, providing structured guidance for treatment planning as well as for the fabrication of definitive restorations. Advances in digital material systems, virtual restoration planning, and computer-assisted manufacturing have led to innovative treatment concepts for patients with severely compromised dentition. Contemporary digital applications, including facial scanning technologies, allow for standardized and reproducible manufacturing processes, resulting in reliable, predictable, and cost-efficient workflows for both chairside applications and complex full-arch rehabilitations.

1. To provide an overview of emerging technologies in restorative dentistry
2. To highlight the clinical advantages of digitally manufactured materials within comprehensive CAD/CAM workflows
3. To present clinical case series and current scientific evidence supporting the clinical performance of digitally fabricated restorations and corresponding minimally invasive preparation concepts

Presenter

Petra Gierthmühlen, DDS

Dr. Gierthmuehlen, graduated and received her DDS from Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany in 2001. She was an Assistant Professor (2001-2006) at the Department of Prosthodontics (Chair Prof. Dr Dr. h.c. J.R. Strub), University, Freiburg, Germany and is a Board certified Prosthodontist (2005) of the German Society of Prosthodontics and Dental Materials (DGPro). From 2006-2009 she was a Visiting Scientist at the Department of Biomaterials & Biomimetics (Chair Prof. Dr. V.P. Thompson), NYU, New York, USA. In 2009 Dr. Gierthmuehlen was appointed Associate Professor at the Department of Prosthodontics, University, Freiburg, where she accomplished the Habilitation in 2011. Since 2016 she is Professor and Chair of the Department of Prosthodontics at the Heinrich-Heine University in Duesseldorf, Germany.