Everyone gets a little hesitant when it comes to the inevitable visit to the dentist. Children are especially scared of dental checkups, though they don’t think twice before gorging on sweets, even if they are told to do so in moderation time and again. So, the obvious question here is why are people of all ages more or less iffy when it comes to getting their teeth checked.
We think that the answer lies in how dentists have been practicing their craft for years, and how when the mainstream media picked it up, it blew it up into something that puts the fear of god into just about anyone. To better understand this statement let us imagine a dental practice a few decades back. In comes a patient with severe tooth decay on multiple teeth. What is the dentist to do other than try to limit further infection of the remaining healthy teeth by removing all the rotten ones? Nothing. So the dentist does the best with the equipment he has; ties down the patient firmly and begins operating on the poor chap then and there because local anesthesia is still not a mainstream thing.
However, today’s dentists have a lot more in terms of dental paraphernalia and knowledge of new techniques at their disposal. Even then, sometimes, they end up with unnecessary filings or excess tooth removal as dental procedures are totally dependent on the patient and the judgment, education, and experience of the dentist. This blog aims to inform you about a new style of dentistry, called conservative dentistry, that takes a different approach to treating oral problems.
Conservative dentistry, as the name states, is focused on using conservative dental procedures that preserve the original tooth structure while treating only the parts that are affected by oral problems. Using minimally invasive procedures to treat areas that are affected by caries (tooth decay), gum disease, or other dental problems while leaving the healthy parts of the affected tooth alone is the signature of conservative dental treatment.
A healthy tooth structure is important to prevent future problems and it allows the dentist to focus more on preventive, long-term care without causing much pain or discomfort to the patient.
Conservative treatment is performed using the highest quality dental fillings and modern methods tailored to the individual needs of the patients. These fillings are not only durable but also mimic the look of natural enamel, providing both function and aesthetics for a better smile.
Conservative dental treatment can be divided into three methods, which are applied depending on the extent of tooth decay:
Ozone treatment, fluoride preparations, remineralizing the enamel and dentine using gels and varnishes.
Cleaning of teeth and tightly plugging the cavity using fillings. Analgesics or anesthesia are used in accordance with the wishes of the patient.
Uses the Icon method which guarantees a painless way to stop and prevent the spread of caries. This method requires regular visits to the dentist every 6 months or so for maintenance.
Treatment planning in conservative dentistry is designed in such a way that it meets the needs of their individual problems, which are unique to every patient. Doing away with unnecessary filing and drilling, treatment plans take into account several factors to come up with the most optimal treatment with the patient’s involvement after identifying all the problems. Some of the factors that influence a treatment plan are:
| Patient Factors | Dentist Factors |
|---|---|
| Patient preferences | Experience, training, and knowledge |
| Motivation | Laboratory support |
| Emotional Status | Dentist-patient compatibility |
| Systemic Health | Availability of Specialists |
| Financial Status | Functional, technical and esthetic demands |
The treatment plan is arranged in such a way so as to prioritize the problems identified on the basis of the urgency of treating them. The procedures needed to fix the problems are sequenced over a period of time, into phases. These include an urgent phase, a control phase, a reevaluation phase, a definitive phase, and a maintenance phase.
Endodontics refers to the study of the innermost part of the teeth called the pulp, which houses all the blood vessels and nerves in a tooth. Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics are often offered as a combined specialization in many dental colleges as a conservative dentist needs to have a proper understanding of all parts of a tooth to make treatment plans.
The pulp is responsible for the vitality of the tooth, providing it with nutrients via blood circulation. Oftentimes, dental diseases like cavities often threaten the pulp, which if damaged can lead to the removal of the tooth or root canals if the damage is still salvageable. Conservative dental practices try to save the pulp by removing cavities from the affected areas of the tooth while providing high-quality restoration that prevents recurring problems.
The importance of oral and dental health is of utmost seriousness to conservative dentists as they believe that maintaining as much as possible of the original tooth structure is ideal for both them and their patients. They try as much as possible to respect the importance of oral cavity that houses the soft pulp so there is more focus on preventive measures. Some of the benefits that the conservative approach brings are:-
Also Read - Top 7 Reasons Claiming The Importance Of Oral Health
Some of the best private dental colleges in India like Mansarovar Dental College, offer many specializations in their MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) programs, one of which is Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics This 3-year postgraduate course will offer you an unparalleled deep-dive into the best practices and techniques that are practiced by all the best conservative dentists in the world. Sign up today at MDC if the world of conservative dentistry looks appealing to you - where you can be a part of giving the best possible smiles to your patients.
1. Will I be eligible for the MDS program in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at MDC if I already have a BDS?
Yes. A BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is necessary to be eligible for the MDS in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at MDC. However, you will also need a valid NEET PG score.
2. What is NEET PG?
NEET PG stands for the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test - Post Graduate, which you have to qualify to get seats into postgraduate programs in all medical and related fields like dentistry.
3. Is the MDS in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at MDC based on a semester system?
No. The MDS in Conservative Dentistry & Endodonticsprogram at MDC is based on the yearly system
4. Do patients play a role in conservative dentistry?
Yes. Patients play a big role in conservative dentistry by ensuring that further dental procedures can either be avoided or once placed maintained, by taking responsibility for their oral hygiene and diet, making regular visits to the dentist, and receiving early treatment when appropriate.
5. Why is the conservative approach to dentistry important?
The conservative approach to dentistry is important as small, carefully designed cavities complement tooth conservation as larger cavities and restorations are likely to fail at a faster rate than smaller ones.
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