What is Conservative Dentistry?
Protecting and Repairing Natural Teeth
Protecting Healthy Teeth is the Priority of Modern Dentistry
The most important goal in modern dentistry is to protect the patient's natural tooth structure as much as possible. With early diagnosis and correct intervention, decays, abrasions, or minor fractures in the teeth can be treated before they progress.
Conservative (Restorative) Dentistry is a specialty that deals with cleaning decays formed in the hard tissues of the tooth (enamel and dentin) and restoring the lost tooth tissues with aesthetic and tissue-compatible materials.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is the progressive destruction of tooth enamel and the underlying dentin layer by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. If left untreated, the decay can progress to the nerve (pulp) of the tooth, causing severe pain and infection, which may require root canal treatment or lead to tooth loss.
Aesthetic Fillings (Composite Fillings)
In the past, amalgam (metal/silver) fillings were frequently used to treat decayed teeth. However, today, thanks to developing technology, composite (aesthetic) fillings, which are the same color as the natural tooth and bond highly to the tooth tissue, are the primary choice.
Features of Aesthetic Fillings
- Natural Appearance: Since they are produced in various color tones to match the natural tooth color, they are almost unnoticeable from the outside.
- Strong Bonding: They bond chemically to the tooth tissue, preventing the filling from falling out and reducing the risk of leakage.
- Minimal Substance Loss: It is sufficient to remove only the decayed tissue; there is no need to remove extra healthy tooth tissue to provide retention for the filling.
- Versatile Use: They can be used not only for decays but also for repairing broken teeth, closing gaps between teeth (diastema closure), or changing the shape of the tooth.
Inlay and Onlay Restorations (Porcelain Fillings)
In cases where there is excessive material loss in the tooth and a standard composite filling would not be sufficiently durable, but crowning (veneering) the entire tooth is not desired, Inlay and Onlay restorations are applied.
These restorations are prepared in the laboratory from highly durable porcelain or reinforced composite materials based on measurements taken after the tooth is cleaned, and they are bonded to the tooth in the second session. They provide an excellent aesthetic and functional harmony.
How is the Filling Procedure Performed?
- Anesthesia: To ensure a comfortable and painless procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the tooth and surrounding area.
- Cleaning the Decay: The decayed area of the tooth is completely cleaned using special instruments.
- Placement of the Filling: The aesthetic filling material matching the tooth color is placed into the cavity layer by layer and hardened using a special light (halogen or LED).
- Polishing: The height of the filling is adjusted to fit the natural bite, and it is polished to make the surface as smooth and bright as the natural tooth.
Is the Filling Procedure Painful?
Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain. After the effect of the anesthesia wears off, a slight sensitivity to hot and cold may be felt for a few days, but this is temporary.
Conclusion
Protecting your natural teeth with regular dental check-ups and early diagnosis is the easiest and most economical way. Do not neglect your routine check-ups for early detection and treatment of decays before they progress.