Conservative Treatments
What is Conservative Dentistry?
It is the branch of dentistry that aims to treat the caries formed in the outer layers of the tooth such as enamel or dentin in the early period and thus to prevent the progression of caries and to preserve the vitality of the tooth. In this way, the next stages of endodontics (root canal treatment) or tooth extraction are prevented.
Bacterial plaque consisting of bacteria in the mouth can form acid from the residues of sugary and floury foods in the mouth. These acids dissolve the mineral tissue of the teeth, causing the enamel of the tooth to deteriorate and eventually the onset of tooth decay. In the selection of the type of dental filling to be applied to the patient, the region to be applied, the chewing forces effective in this region, the patient’s aesthetic expectations and the amount of material loss are of great importance.
Filling Types
Amalgam Fillings: It has been the most preferred filling material for years with its durability and economic nature. Today, increasing aesthetic demands of dental patients, rumors about the effects of mercury in amalgam on human health, and developments in adhesive systems (tooth-colored fillings) cause this material to be abandoned gradually.
Composite Fillings: Tooth-colored restorations are preferred especially in cases where aesthetics is at the forefront. Due to the bonding properties with the tooth, there is no need to remove material from the tooth in order to provide retention as in amalgam fillings; just removing the bruise is sufficient.