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A new paradigm for operative dentistry.
1Restorative Dentistry, The University of Adelaide, South Australia. gjmount@ozemail.com.au
Australian Dental Journal
|February 13, 2008
Summary
The dental profession should adopt a new paradigm for treating dental caries, recognizing it as a bacterial disease. This involves prioritizing bacterial identification and elimination, preserving tooth structure, and utilizing preventive strategies and minimally invasive techniques.
Area of Science:
- Operative Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- GV Black established the dominant paradigm for operative dentistry over a century ago, focusing on the caries process.
- Significant advancements in scientific methodology and understanding of oral diseases have occurred over the last 50 years.
Observation:
- The traditional paradigm, while influential, may no longer be optimal given modern scientific knowledge.
- A shift is needed to incorporate contemporary understanding of dental caries as a bacterial disease.
Findings:
- A new paradigm for operative dentistry is proposed, emphasizing the bacterial nature of dental caries.
- This approach prioritizes disease identification and elimination before restorative intervention.
- Preservation of natural tooth structure, preventive strategies like remineralization, and minimally invasive techniques are central.
Implications:
- Adopting this new paradigm necessitates a fundamental shift in dental education and practice.
- It promotes a more conservative and biologically based approach to managing dental caries.
- This evolution in operative dentistry aims for better long-term oral health outcomes.