Dental restorations are necessary when a patient has experienced extensive tooth decay. Conservative dentistry is a type of restorative care that aims to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. It’s believed that this is in the best interest of the patient, both in the short and long term.

What’s Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative procedures are part of conservative dentistry. These treatments rehabilitate a person’s smile by correcting issues caused by decay and cavities. There are many different treatments that fall into this category, including endodontic services, like root canals. 

Root canal procedures remove damaged tissue in the tooth. The tooth is stabilized with a dental filler and capped with a porcelain crown. The crown ensures the tooth can sufficiently handle bite forces, while also preventing bacteria from causing further damage.

How Can a Conservative Approach Help Patients?

Some standard procedures require the removal of healthy tissues to accommodate other materials to restore the tooth. This causes a range of issues, including the need for continuous updates to the original procedure. While replacement materials are intended to be strong and long-lasting, tooth enamel is far sturdier.

While it may be necessary to remove some areas of decay during a root canal, dentists taking the conservative approach try to remove as little as possible and only what’s necessary. Fortunately, innovations in dental science make it possible to preserve healthy tissues. For instance, adhesive agents allow dentists who practice conservative dentistry to remove only damaged tissue and bind the tooth back together instead of placing a filling on top.

If you need an oral treatment and would like to try the conservative dentistry approach, contact the team at Kaimuki Dental Group in Honolulu, HI. These professionals will preserve the natural structure of your teeth. They also offer routine exams, sealants, gum treatments, and teeth whitening. If you need urgent dental care, their team even provides emergency assistance. Call (808) 737-7905 to schedule an appointment, or view their services online.