Conservative Dentistry
A minimally invasive approach
We look after your natural teeth as long as possible
Conservative Dentistry
A minimally invasive approach
We look after your natural teeth as long as possible
Conservative Dentistry
Conservative dentistry is all about a minimally invasive approach that retains as much as possible of your natural teeth to give them the best chance to last a lifetime with proper care and attention. Tooth enamel and dentin are natural defences for your teeth and it’s in your best interest to keep these preserved as long as possible. Dentistry has undergone recent developments with new materials, new techniques, and new instruments to make conservative dentistry a reality, however, early detection is the key.
What is Traditional Dentistry?
Traditional dentistry is usually more aggressive and invasive, which can remove too much of your natural tooth structure. They tend to shave or drill away more of your tooth structure to better fit a filling or crown for strength, but this can also have complications later like fractures and cracks Some dental practices today still tend to focus on reliable, repeatable procedures which can involve removing to much healthy tooth structure to perform the procedure.
Conservative Treatments
A variety of preventative and restorative dental treatments fall under conservative dentistry, such as:
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Inlays and onlays
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Veneers
Some treatments like teeth whitening are already considered minimally invasive because of how they work to minimize stains and brighten your smile. As teeth whitening focuses entirely on the enamel layer it doesn’t involve removing or damaging any of the tooth structure which makes it a perfect treatment for discolouration.
Root canal treatments benefit highly from a conservative approach by reducing the amount of dentin, pulp and root canals removed to clean the inner tooth properly. Modern laser dentistry, proper irrigation systems and 3D images can help improve the procedure by providing a more accurate diagnosis that helps narrow down the issue.
Dental bonding can help replace the need for tooth extractions or extensive enamel removal by providing an alternative method for repairing tooth structure. The bonding material used adheres to the tooth’s enamel and helps reform the tooth’s surface. This removes the need for restorations such as crowns and inlays which can be especially helpful as long as the materials used provide enough strength.
Microabrasion systems work to minimally remove the enamel creating a porous space for dental bonding and filling material to help repair any damaged surfaces. It can help remove signs of discolouration or damaged enamel and help prepare the tooth surface for restorative treatments such as inlays and veneers.
To learn more about minimally invasive dental treatments, call us on Underwood (07) 3219 9806 or Calamvale (07) 3273 3220.
Conservative Benefits
Maintaining as much of your own natural teeth as possible provides many long-term benefits.
Certain conditions such as tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease and other common issues can be a more positive experience with a dentist using a conservative approach.
Next time you see your dentist for a checkup and clean ask about your options for conservative treatment.