A study revealed that tooth decay is preventable without the need for the traditional methods of drilling. This study was conducted by the University of Sydney by comparing 1000 patients at 22 dental practices across the New South Wales area and in the Australian Capital Territory.
"It's unnecessary for patients to have fillings because they're not required in many cases of dental decay," Associate Professor Wendell Evans of the University of Sydney, the lead researcher, said. The 7 year study points out that the need for drilling and filling teeth is reduced by 30 to 50 percent by applying preventative oral care. Prof. Evans also added that this is a major shift in dental care as the approaches in dealing with tooth decay are now different.
"However, 50 years of research studies have shown that decay is not always progressive and develops more slowly than was previously believed. For example, it takes an average of four to eight years for decay to progress from the tooth's outer layer (enamel) to the inner layer (dentine)," Prof. Evans said.
The research team has developed the Caries Management System (CMS). This is a set of protocols that covers the decay risk assessment. CMS also has protocols on the interpretation of dental X-rays and even in the specific treatment of early decay.
The four CMS "no-drill" treatment aspects are as follows:
1. Application of high concentration fluoride varnish by dentists to the sites of early decay.
2. Attention to home tooth brushing skills.
3. Restriction of between-meal snacks and beverages containing added sugar.
4. Risk-specific monitoring.
The CMS method has already been tested on high-risk patients at Westmead Hospital. The results are very successful, and it shows that early decays are reversible. The need for drilling and filling is reduced dramatically. Decay in this context is on its early onset, not on the "cavity" stage.
