Treatment regimens in preventive and restorative dentistry

Article Abstract:

Dentists should practice preservative dentistry that focuses on preventing cavities and remineralizing enamel damaged by decay. Dentists may place or replace fillings because they mistakenly believe that cavities progress quickly, fillings cure cavities, and the risk of recurrent cavities is associated with the width of the gap between a filling and the adjacent tooth. Instead of filling teeth with decay-damaged enamel, dentists should take regular x-rays to monitor the lesions and determine if they are progressing, inactive, or remineralizing. Patients should be classified according to their risk of cavities based on the rate of decay progression. Low-risk patients should have sealants applied over their fillings to maintain tooth structure. Fluoride and chlorhexidine treatments stop the disease process and allow the enamel to remineralize. Fillings are appropriate when remineralization has failed and the decay has penetrated into the inner half of the dentin.

Standards, Oral surgery, Preventive dentistry

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Amalgam at the new millennium

Article Abstract:

Many dentists still use dental amalgam despite predictions of its demise at the beginning of the 21st century. Dental amalgam is a metal substance used to fill cavities. It was first used in the US in 1833. It is composed of several metals, including silver, tin, copper and mercury. Concerns about the toxicity of mercury are probably unfounded. Amalgam is relatively inexpensive and can last for decades. If the patient is concerned about appearance, polymers that match the color of the tooth should be used.

Usage, Cover Story, Dental amalgams

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Three restorative materials and topical fluoride gel used in xerostomic patients: a clinical comparison

Article Abstract:

Patients who have xerostomia may be less likely to develop recurring cavities if their existing cavities are filled with glass ionomer rather than metal amalgam, according to a study of nine patients. Fluoride gel was also effective in preventing cavities. Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth.

Evaluation, Xerostomia

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