Conservative Dentistry in Gastonia, NC

What it means in practice

Enamel doesn't grow back. Once a tooth has been drilled, it's a little weaker, and the filling in it will need replacing someday. Bigger work usually follows smaller work. So the size of the first repair matters a lot over a lifetime.

In my practice that means three things. I treat what's actually diseased. I watch what's stable and can safely be watched. And I try to keep you from needing either, with good preventive care.

It also means being honest when the answer is "this needs treatment now." A cracked tooth or an infection that's left alone usually turns into a bigger problem. Waiting isn't always the conservative choice.

What happens at your exam

We start by asking what's bothering you, if anything. Then I look at your teeth, gums, bite and any existing dental work. We take digital X-rays when they're due, and intraoral photos so you can see what I see on the screen. If a question needs 3D imaging, we have a CBCT scanner in the office.

Then I go through what I found, one thing at a time. For each one I'll tell you whether I think it needs treatment, can be watched, or just needs better prevention, and why. If something can wait, I'll tell you that too. You don't have to decide anything that day.

Questions patients ask us

Prevention does most of the work

Most of the treatment I don't have to do is avoided by ordinary things: regular cleanings, fluoride, a night guard if you grind your teeth, and checkup intervals matched to your risk. Read more about preventive dentistry.

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