Jul
I received an email from Bruce about a new tooth technology. To understand my response to his email, please read through the article here: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jun/16/fillings-dentists-tooth-decay-treatment
My answer to Bruce’s question is below:
Hi Bruce,
Thank you for the bringing this article to my attention. I have seen this technology and it sounds really promising. I agree that the 80+ year old standard of disregarding tooth structure as if it were replaceable by excavating and plugging the space with non-anatomous stuffing is dismal.
Just so nobody feels too bad…as far as I have researched, the therapy works on intact tooth structure that has demineralized, but not “caveated.” In other words, it repairs damaged full-thickness or near-full thickness lesions.
Currently, I avoid invading these types of lesions, but arrest them with ozone and remineralize them with ionic Ca and Ph. This treatment would be a great addition.
Though this treatment may prevent a lesion becoming “caveated,” once a cavity has formed replacement of the missing structure is necessary.
As patients, staying healthy and clean is still the bottom line.
As dental professionals, minimally invasive dentistry should be our goal and routine practice always.
Best,
Cynthia