When you hear that a particular dentist makes conservative dental care decisions, you may wonder what this is all about. Is this something that will benefit your oral health in the long run? Or, should you be seeking out a radical dentist who takes huge risks when it comes to keeping your mouth and smile in good shape? When you hear the term “conservative” it is important that you equate it with a dentist who makes careful decisions to avoid suggesting any unnecessary treatments or decisions. Allow us to explain.
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Let’s say you have an infected tooth. You may either receive root canal treatment to remove the infection and save your tooth or you may receive an extraction. We will only make the conservative suggestion for an extraction in the event that no other option (including the root canal) can save your tooth. You might want to think about this as receiving treatment in which your dental team keeps the long-term health of your smile in mind all the time, so last resort options oral health options remain just that: A last resort.
How Conservative Care Helps
The goal with conservative dental care is to protect your oral health now and in the future. Making conservative choices means we preserve your natural tissue for as long as possible, so your tooth lasts as long as possible. As a result, you will be able to protect and continue using your natural smile, so you can avoid costly and/or extensive treatments.