Even with advances in dental technology, many patients still dread the dental drill. Perhaps you had an unfortunate experience in the past. If you have ever had a drill used on you before your mouth was numb, you might well have an aversion to drilling of any kind. Fortunately, dentists are using new techniques that do not require using standard dental drills, so it's safe for you to head back to the dentist.
Lasers
Some dentists are already using carbon dioxide lasers that easily and painless cut through decay and soft tissue. The process is computer-aided, but the dentist still controls the laser. Most patients need no anesthesia at all, and nearly 100% report no pain when undergoing the procedure. Lasers also may be able to help regrow broken portions of teeth in the future, preventing you from needing more intrusive repairs.
Cavity Management
A recent study showed that using an early cavity management system may be more effective than filling small, early cavities. This strategy means your dentist will carefully monitor the beginning of tooth decay in your teeth. They will also apply a dental "varnish" to the cavity and have you take various steps at home to better care for your teeth. Those who underwent this management strategy were between 30 and 50% less likely to need fillings than those receiving traditional care at the end of seven years. This method actually puts you in charge of "fixing" your early cavities.
Acid
This method may sound scary, but it works quite well for intermediate cavities. These cavities are harder to treat than some, and dentists often wait until they get deep enough to be effectively drilled out to treat them. Now, they can apply a mild acid that eats the decay and opens pores. Then the dentist will put a clear resin on the spot, effectively stopping any further deterioration. Although this treatment is relatively new, it shows great promise, particularly for those people who truly fear the drill.
If fear of the dentist's drill is keeping you from regular dental visits, you should seek out other options. Many dentists offer alternative methods now, and more of them will certainly do so in the future. Dental-phobes now have reason to believe that the dental drill is on its way out for good. Remember, even if your dentist does not offer all of these methods, they have other ways to make your trip nearly painless. Talk to a dentist, like those at Hoffman & Karl Dental Associates, PLLC, to learn more.
Share24 May 2016
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.