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‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

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Re: ‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

#3
better link: http://sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2015/12/07/_no-drill_...

Was trying to get more specific details about the alternate treatment, but information seems limited to:

- Application of high concentration fluoride varnish by dentists to the sites of early decay

- Attention to home tooth brushing skills

- Restriction of between-meal snacks and beverages containing added sugar

- Risk-specific monitoring.

Re: ‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

#4
post #2

I'm waiting for the day they can simply grow new teeth for you in a petrie dish and pop 'm back in your mouth.

That makes two. My teeth are terrible. When I was a kid and people would warn me about sugar I would always argue that in the future we'd just be able to replace our teeth. Any day now...

Re: ‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

#5
post #3

better link: http://sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2015/12/07/_no-drill_... Was trying to get more specific details about the alternate treatment, but information seems limited to: - Application of high concentration fluoride varnish by dentists to the sites of early decay - Attention to home tooth brushing skills - Restriction of between-meal snacks and beverages containing added sugar - Risk-specific monitoring.

Basically, if caught early, your teeth can remineralize themselves if you provide the right conditions.

Re: ‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

#6
I have always hoped for big advancements in dental care and the ability to improve teeth. I have a lot of anxiety-inducing cosmetic issues with my teeth but the cost to get anything done about it is incredibly prohibitive and not covered by insurance.

Re: ‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

#7
I keep thinking there should be a way to plug the cavity with something that can be absorbed by the tooth and assimilated into it (like happens with baby teeth). Then cover it up with a cap that can be later removed. Gotta find a way to regrow the enamel under that cap too. Is there some reason teeth can't regrow when damaged?

Re: ‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

#8
post #2

I'm waiting for the day they can simply grow new teeth for you in a petrie dish and pop 'm back in your mouth.

That makes two. My teeth are terrible. When I was a kid and people would warn me about sugar I would always argue that in the future we'd just be able to replace our teeth. Any day now...

I'm starting to think my bad teeth are going to kill me before stem cells get around to regrowing them for me.

Re: ‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

#9
post #7

I keep thinking there should be a way to plug the cavity with something that can be absorbed by the tooth and assimilated into it (like happens with baby teeth). Then cover it up with a cap that can be later removed. Gotta find a way to regrow the enamel under that cap too. Is there some reason teeth can't regrow when damaged?

> absorbed by the tooth and assimilated into it (like happens with baby teeth)

I'm confused. What happens with baby teeth?

> Then cover it up with a cap that can be later removed.

And come back in a few days later when the tooth and the one it meets hurt unbearably. You can't really put a cap on a tooth without grinding away a bunch of enamel first. The cap will make the tooth thicker and cause it to take all the pressure when biting.

I do wish our dental treatments didn't seem so middle ages, though. Drill a hole and fill it with epoxy. :\ That sounds like an appropriate way to fix a boat, not living tissue.

Re: ‘No-drill’ techniques can treat tooth decay just as well, study finds

#10

I have always hoped for big advancements in dental care and the ability to improve teeth. I have a lot of anxiety-inducing cosmetic issues with my teeth but the cost to get anything done about it is incredibly prohibitive and not covered by insurance.

If it's the price of orthodontia, it may be cheaper than you think. Ask two for a price. They almost always offer a payment plan, and if you can, demand at least a 10-20% discount for a full payment in cash up front.
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