In both medicine and dentistry there is a focus on being
preventative and less invasive with treatments. Sealants, fluoride treatments,
and regular cleanings are a great way to focus on preventative dental
treatment. But once a cavity has formed, our only course of treatment involves
drilling away tooth structure to remove the tooth decay. Currently, researchers
are working on developing fillings that “allow teeth to heal themselves.” This is
a very exciting development because it could limit the number of invasive
procedures a dentist may need to perform.
The treatment that researchers have been working on would
stimulate stem cells to encourage the growth of dentin. Dentin is the bony
material that makes up the majority of the tooth and lies just under the hard,
outer shell of enamel. These fillings would allow you to effectively re-grow
tooth structure that was damaged by decay. Hopefully this could become an
alternative to traditional dental fillings.
So why would it be important to reduce the number of
fillings needed or the size of the fillings performed? Typically, a smaller
filling leads to a better prognosis. A smaller filling stays further from the
pulp (where the nerve is found) and decreases the potential for sensitivity. And
every time you work on a tooth, you risk possible sensitivity and the need for
a root canal in the future. Each root canal contains another set of risks that
include root fracture and tooth loss. Bottom line: if you can avoid invasive
procedures on the teeth it can be beneficial to you in the long run.
Even though we still know very little about this
development, it is safe to say it will not eliminate the need for all invasive
dental procedures. But every little bit helps and it can hopefully prevent a
ripple affect on your dental health that could affect you for years.
For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.
Lee T. Brown, DDS
Brown and Kupper, DDS
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