Routine Dental Therapies Will Never Be The Same.
Everyone is buzzing about major advances in technology, from augmented reality to self-driving automobiles. And no industry is safe from the major changes that are coming our way – including dentistry.
What we define as “conservative dentistry” varies from doctor to doctor. What we all know, however, is that finding a happy dental “home” that you visit regularly lowers your risk of developing new cavities. If you have a history of cavities, crowns, caps, partials, or even implants – seeing a dentist on a regular basis – having appropriate x-rays made – having your teeth cleaned – all of the above will make whatever dentistry you have last much longer.
These recent articles are just a touch of what is going on in research across the profession of dental medicine. Enjoy!
No Drill Dentistry: Fluoride Treatments can Prevent Cavities in Adults
If the high-pitched whir of a dentist’s drill as it bores into your molar terrifies you, good news! There could be fewer fillings in your future. A painless way to prevent cavities in adults is gaining traction. Read more.
Do Cavities Run in Your Family?
Even adults who brush and floss diligently have heard those dreaded words from their dentists: You have a cavity. Lots of factors come into play in causing cavities, but do some people have a cavity gene that exacerbates the problem? One expert, Michael Glick, a professor at the School of Dental Medicine at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, explains how DNA may be your dental enemy and why sealants could be your teeth’s best friend. Full Post.
The End of Root Canals?
What if damaged teeth could heal themselves? That’s the inspiration behind a new project from Harvard and the University of Nottingham to create stem cell stimulating fillings. See more.
“Tooth Repair Drug” May replace Fillings
The team at King’s College London showed that a chemical could encourage cells in the dental pulp to heal small holes in mice teeth. Read the rest here.
Maintaining Good Oral Health In Retirement Can Save Your Life and Your Money
Over 10,000 people retire in the United States every day, and with the loss of employment, often comes the loss of dental benefits. But dentists say maintaining good oral health in retirement can be every bit as critical as taking care of any other part of the body. And it doesn’t have to be expensive.
“Dental coverage, even basic care, is not and never will be provided under Medicare or the Affordable care act, and supplemental private policies are very expensive,” said Dr. Steve Mascarin. “The result is, over 70% of retiring baby boomers have no dental insurance. This is significant because that mass of boomers is highly unlikely to return for the vital regular six-month cleaning visit.” More after the jump.