Tooth-Saving Treatments and Procedures: How Can We Protect Our Teeth?

When thinking about dental health, we often consider cavity treatments, toothaches, or extractions. However, modern dentistry focuses not only on these issues but also on preserving and saving teeth. In fact, preventive and protective dentistry is of great importance worldwide. Particularly in Europe, dental protection methods are implemented more widely than in the United States. In this article, we’ll explore various topics, from preventing tooth decay to dealing with cavities and tooth-saving procedures.

How to Protect Teeth from Decay?

Teeth are essential components of oral health, serving as the hard structures within the mouth. However, cavities and other issues can threaten their integrity. So, how can we protect our teeth from decay?

The primary method of protection is maintaining oral hygiene. Proper brushing techniques, choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush, using dental floss, employing tongue scrapers, and scheduling regular dental check-ups are crucial steps in preventing cavities. Fluoride-containing toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevents acids from damaging the surface. Additionally, avoiding foods and drinks that cause decay, as well as chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow, are part of preventive dentistry.

Despite these precautions, cavities can sometimes be unavoidable. This is where tooth-saving procedures come into play.

What Should Be the First Step if a Cavity Develops?

When tooth sensitivity begins, it serves as an “early warning system,” indicating the need for treatment before the cavity progresses.

The first step in saving a tooth is to clean out the decay and perform an anatomical filling. This filling is carefully shaped to restore the tooth’s original structure and serves as a protective seal. It is essential that the decay is thoroughly removed and that the filling is meticulously crafted to fit the tooth perfectly. But what if the cavity has progressed further?

What If the Decay Is in an Advanced Stage?

If the cavity has spread and affected a large portion of the tooth, a mini screw-supported filling may be applied. In this method, a small screw is placed inside the tooth to provide extra support and durability to the filling. If the decay has caused inflammation or severe pain, more advanced treatments like root canal therapy may be required.

What Is Root Canal Therapy, and When Is It Applied?

Root canal therapy involves removing infected nerve and blood tissues from within the tooth. During the procedure, the infection and abscess are eliminated, and the root canal is filled before applying an anatomical filling to the tooth. This process restores the tooth’s function. However, root canal therapy may not always be sufficient, especially in cases where the infection has advanced. What can be done if the initial treatment fails?

Root Canal Re-Treatment and Tooth-Saving Surgeries

If the first root canal treatment fails, a re-treatment can be performed. Even after a root canal, problems may persist, necessitating a second attempt. If the re-treatment also proves unsuccessful, surgical interventions may become necessary. At this stage, the problematic canal is cleaned, disinfected, and refilled. Root canal re-treatment serves as the final step before moving to surgical tooth-saving operations.

What Are Tooth-Saving Surgeries? 6 Essential Techniques

On a surgical level, there are six primary techniques aimed at preserving as much of the tooth’s original structure as possible:

  • Apical Resection:
    Apical resection is performed when a cyst or infection develops at the root tip. The inflamed tissue is accessed through the gums and removed, while the visible part of the tooth, root, and jawbone remain intact. This procedure has a success rate of around 60%, ensuring the tooth retains its function.
  • Reimplantation:
    If inflammation persists after a root canal, the tooth is extracted, the infected root tip is cleaned, and the tooth is reinserted into its original position. This method effectively eliminates root infections and preserves the natural tooth. The success rate for reimplantation is generally high.
  • Hemisection:
    In cases where one of the tooth’s roots is diseased, the problematic root and half of the tooth are removed. The remaining healthy root allows the tooth to continue functioning. This method can achieve a success rate of up to 93%.
  • Tooth Transplantation:
    A buried wisdom tooth or another healthy tooth can be transplanted to replace a tooth that cannot be saved. This procedure prevents tooth loss by filling the gap with a natural tooth.
  • Open Surgical Curettage:
    In cases of chronic aggressive periodontitis, which causes bone loss around teeth and can lead to tooth loss, open surgical curettage is used to remove diseased tissues from the bone beneath the gums. This technique helps stabilize loose teeth and promotes bone regeneration, reducing or eliminating the gum disease. With a success rate of over 90%, this is a highly effective tooth-saving procedure.

Conclusion: The Importance of Saving Teeth

Maintaining dental health is not just about aesthetics; it is also crucial for overall well-being. Tooth-saving treatments and procedures aim to preserve the natural structure of teeth. Preventive dentistry focuses on taking measures to stop decay before it starts. Even when decay progresses, there are many ways to restore and save the tooth. Therefore, if you notice any issues with your teeth, visiting your dentist for early intervention can help protect them and prevent further problems.

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