The Journal of the American Dental Association, JADA, published an article in October 2018 that set new evidence-based guidelines for treating dental decay. Research over the past 10 years has shown that there is often no need for the traditional “fill and drill” approach that has defined dentistry for decades. This preventative approach offers major benefits compared to current practice.
Dr. Smith has extensive experience in the new methods
This trend has been embraced by Dr. Smith for years and she is highly skilled and experienced in the methods required which include the painless applications of silver diamine fluoride, fluoride varnish and dental sealants. The choice depends on the degree of decay. These materials enable the tooth to remineralize. Most importantly, teeth do not end up being drilled!
Fillings aren’t needed in MOST cases
“As advanced as the filling materials are that we currently have, nothing is better than the original tooth structure! The key is to visit a dentist regularly and have early intervention. If a tooth ends up breaking or has a hole (cavity) in it from decay, then a filling or crown will be needed. But if it’s a matter of early decay, these non-invasive topical methods are the way to go. ” ─ Dr. Smith
Dentists used to think that decay was fast-moving
The practice used to be to identify early decay, remove it immediately to prevent cavities, and fill the hole. But it is now known that decay is not always progressive, and when it does progress, it is slower moving than had previously been thought. It takes an average of 4 to 8 years for decay to progress from the tooth’s enamel (outer layer) to the dentine (inner layer). It can be detected and treated topically before a cavity ever develops.
The methods
- Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) – widely shown to be effective to help stop cavity development after a cavity has started to form.
- Fluoride varnish – through assessments of decay risk, interpretation of dental X-rays and other monitoring, signs of early decay that haven’t created cavities are detected and treated with a high-concentration fluoride varnish.
- Dental sealants – a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth — usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) — to prevent tooth decay.
This is one of the best things that has happened in the field of dentistry!
People are loving the concept that they do not need to be numb and have their teeth drilled. Please tell your friends about “no drill – no fill” and experience modern dentistry!
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