Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Dentists say technology has made it possible for them to save teeth rather than suggest extraction

People are more interested in saving their teeth these days

Dentists say technology has made it possible for them to save teeth rather than suggest extraction



Toothache is no longer neglected by people. Even if they feel the slightest pain, people visit the dentist and try to save their teeth. This is a huge change in mindset from some years back when people would go for tooth extraction if they faced toothache.
Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar, a dentist from DY Patil Hospital in Nerul, said, "Today, people are very conscious about wanting to look good and nobody can deny that our teeth play a very important role in making one look pretty. Nowadays, many people go in for cosmetic tooth filings. Then, there is a composite filing too, which has changed a lot over the past few years. Though, this kind of filling is a decade old, but better technology has improved it a lot. ,Also the kind of material used helps decrease tooth decay. One cannot deny that strong teeth helps people a lot in their day-to-day activities."
"There are fewer chances of caries (decay) when the filling is good. Today, most people try their best to save their tooth and do not go in for extraction that easily. Also people visit the dentist much before tooth pain becomes unbearable."
In addition to composite fillings, there are inlay fillings as well, which some people opt for. Such fillings are fabricated in the laboratory and fixed inside the tooth. "Inlay fillings have to be done through multiple sittings and can costs anything between Rs1,500 and Rs4,000. Also, this filling is generally done for the posterior teeth. Many people are keen on beautifying their front teeth as they believe a good set of teeth can help a person look great," says Dr Gaurang Mistry from Smita Dental Care Centre in Vashi.
"Tooth problems are spread across various age groups and one cannot say who might be affected by it. There are various factors involved in tooth decay such as the plaque content in teeth, the saliva content, the flow of saliva and, of course, the intake of food as well. Today, fillings are so good that they bond well with the teeth. However, in case the cavity is big, then we mostly ask patients to go either for inlay or crown filling," adds Dr Mistry.
"Initially, people were keen on getting more of aesthetic work done, which would be related to things such as braces. However, now, with better awareness, even if there is a small black spot on the tooth, people get worried about how it might affect their smile. Today, everyone wants a better smile. There's been a huge change in mindset from 15 years ago. I have observed a drastic change in people's mindset as far as their teeth are concerned. With new and better kinds of fillings, there are lots of other ways (like using composite layers) in which one can restore their teeth rather than just going in for braces," says dentist Rakesh Pathak from Koperkhairane.

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