Proactive Intervention Restorative Dentistry

This article will discuss how to successfully incorporate minimally invasive techniques that preserve tooth structure, are patient friendly, and create patients for life. Changing from a surgical model to a medical model has changed the way dentists deal with caries. Instead of treatment occurring in a later potentially problematic stage, dentists look for proactive ways to address the situation before the demineralization process is irreversible. Remineralization prevents or prolongs the need for more serious and invasive interventions, such as root canal. Additionally, with a variety of bioactive material options, dentists can choose materials they work best with and that are appropriate for the conditions that present. Although preventive measures may not always work, they decrease the invasive procedures patients may need throughout their lives.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Discuss the latest remineralization therapies to proactively treat caries.

• Describe how to implement new bioactive restorative materials into everyday dental practice.

• Discuss predictable minimally invasive flowable restorable repair techniques.

About the Author

Fay Goldstep, DDS, Private Practice, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada