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Like the rest of the human body, the healthy human tooth is naturally designed to withstand pressures and perform admirably for a lifetime. To perform efficiently, however, teeth need to be preserved as close to their original structure as possible.

Any repairs and procedures needed to keep them healthy should be minimally invasive with the goal of keeping the initial structure intact. It is important to maintain the original tooth structure in order to preserve its integrity, strength, and reduce postoperative trauma and sensitivity

Also future repair and restorative procedures are more feasible and efficient if there is preserved natural tooth structure to work with.

Dental Procedures that Preserve Tooth Structures

Natural or preservative tooth repair is highly skills-based. It entails cutting-edge knowledge, thorough examination, diagnostics and meticulous implementation.

Minimally invasive dentistry focuses on correcting health issues of the teeth and gums. Followed with guidance and monitoring of the patient to achieve a mutual goal: preservation of natural teeth structures.

• Pulp capping is an alternative to traditional root canals.
• Laser dental fillings made of tooth-like material preserve natural tooth structure, bond to teeth, and do not crack or leak.
• Other laser-based procedures restore the natural balance of the teeth and mouth.
• Preserved tooth structure enables future restoration, which would not be possible in the absence of preserved structure.
• New dental and other bonding techniques complement the rest of the tooth’s structure, with no need for metal or crowns.
• Dentists are able to seal the tooth against bacteria with adhesives, preventing deterioration and infection.
• Teeth have a chance to self-repair.
• Tooth decay is prevented through re-mineralization techniques.

These techniques reduce the need for crowns and root canals by 60% to 90%.

Tooth Preservation Starts at Home

Your dentist or hygienist will instruct you on how to preserve your teeth and gums and provide periodic intervention and guidance to prevent further damage. You’ll require less invasive dental treatments and procedures, have a healthier smile, and less worry about dental bills.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing teeth and the tongue for two minutes, twice a day. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste cleans food debris and bacteria between the teeth and from the mouth.

Brush your teeth with a light touch as if they are fragile. One sign of too much pressure is if the surface of toothbrush bristles is flattened. Brushing more than twice a day, for longer than two minutes each time, wears down the protective enamel and exposes a layer of dentin. Dentin has tiny openings leading to nerve endings. When these are triggered, they cause pain and sensitivity.

The mouth has a consistent warm and wet temperature – 98.6˚. Food particles and bacteria cause deposits known as plaque on the teeth. These deposits build up overnight and calcify or harden to form tartar, or calculus. This tartar irritates gums, causes mouth odors, and can eventually lead to gum disease.

Sugars and acids in sodas and fruit drinks are detrimental to tooth health and should be consumed in limited quantities. Acid attacks teeth, erodes enamel, creates cavities, leaves stains, and even erodes the inner structure of the tooth.

Flossing every day loosens the finer particles between teeth that brushing misses. It also removes plaque and prevents tartar buildup. Preserving healthy teeth and gums will make upkeep much easier and less involved in the coming years, as it is the key to successful long-term oral health.

Two of the biggest factors for keeping your smile in one piece are maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping up with regularly scheduled dental checkups. To make an appointment for pain free, quality dental care in the Plantation, Florida area, call Dr. Ernie Soto at (954) 368-6264.