In the ever-evolving landscape of the dental industry, significant strides are being made in technology, paving the way for a promising future. Revolutionary trends like AI-powered imaging tools, tele-dentistry, and 3D printing are reshaping the delivery and reception of dental care. This article explores the key trends that are driving the transformation of the dental industry.
One prominent area experiencing notable changes in recent years is the management of dental caries. Modern approaches are focused on early detection and prevention, relying on risk indicators and thorough risk factor assessments for accurate diagnoses.
These innovative management approaches prioritize the preservation of healthy tooth tissue, in line with the principles of minimally invasive dentistry. The goal is to achieve personalized risk assessments for patients, early identification of carious lesions, and effective remineralization of noncavitated lesions.
Recognizing that restorative procedures can potentially damage tooth tissue and pose long-term risks when a cycle of restoration and re-restoration is initiated, there is a growing emphasis on employing minimally invasive interventions. This involves repair, refurbishment, and polishing techniques as alternatives to the complete replacement of defective restorations.
Moreover, when dental caries exposes the pulp, contemporary strategies advocate for conservative treatment options that deviate from previous practices. Vital pulp treatment (VPT), such as partial or complete pulpotomy, is now preferred over pulpectomy.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recently released a groundbreaking clinical practice guideline that promotes conservative methods for treating tooth decay in primary and permanent teeth. The guideline, developed by a panel of expert dentists after extensive evaluation of approximately 300 published studies, offers 16 recommendations for managing moderate and advanced tooth decay in teeth that have not undergone endodontic treatment, such as root canals.
A key aspect highlighted in the guideline is the effectiveness of conservative carious tissue removal (CTR), which aims to remove infected tissue while preserving the maximum amount of original tooth structure. This approach minimizes the risk of adverse outcomes, such as nerve exposure or failed fillings.
Selective CTR is also identified as a viable treatment option for most cases of moderate or advanced decay. This technique involves removing the majority of decayed tissue before sealing the tooth with a filling or cap. By minimizing the remaining bacteria beneath the restoration, further decay is halted as the conditions necessary for bacterial growth are disrupted.
Additionally, the guideline confirms the efficacy of commonly used restorative materials, such as tooth-colored fillings, silver-colored fillings (amalgam), and preformed caps, for treating moderate or advanced tooth decay. The choice of materials for primary and permanent teeth depends on the extent of the decay.
Unfortunately, despite these advancements, many dentists continue to rely on invasive procedures for treating dental caries and pulp diseases. However, transitioning to non-invasive and minimally invasive approaches in everyday clinical practice will take time. Therefore, it is crucial to simultaneously promote a preventive philosophy alongside the exploration of alternative treatment methods.
