Specialist prosthodontist, Dr Akit Patel believes that glass hybrids have a place in every restorative toolbox, especially to replace amalgam in compromised cases, and in root caries treatment.
Akit practises at Perlan Specialist Dental Centre in Eastbourne, East Sussex, where the patient demographic is characterised by a high proportion of older patients, who pose a specific set of challenges – ones which are set to become more and more prevalent in dental practices across the country as our population ages.
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The challenges
By 2050, it’s expected that 22% of the European population will be 70 years or older.[i] While today, more than 80% of people over 65 retain at least some of their natural teeth.[ii]
As a result, the range of dentistry required is becoming more complex than in the past with an even greater reliance on restorative and preventative materials as well as on the skills of the clinician.
The recent acceleration in the European Union dental amalgam phase out has also added further urgency to the quest for alternative materials that can match the strength, moisture tolerance and ease of placement of this restorative stalwart.
A unique chemistry
In this concise and informative podcast, Akit explains his clinical approach to the treatment and prevention of root caries in older patients, including the many factors that cause root caries and his methods of treating carious lesions with a minimal intervention approach.
Highlights of the podcast include:
- The reasons why Akit prefers to use GC’s MI Varnish enhanced fluoride varnish treatment and GC MI Paste Plus as part of a conservative approach to arrest root caries.
- When root caries cannot be reversed, how Akit intervenes with an operative restorative approach for the full or partial removal of caries with restoration of the cavity completed using EQUIA Forte HT high viscosity glass hybrid or G-ænial A’CHORD universal composite.
- With the move away from amalgam, which of today’s materials Akit believes provide the best alternatives.
- Why Akit has been using GC glass ionomers for over 25 years in his practice.
- Why EQUIA Forte HT has become his ‘go-to’ as a core material and for commercial crown and bridgework.
Back to your roots!
Root caries are increasingly becoming one of the most significant clinical challenges faced by those treating older people and every dental practice will need to be ready to meet this challenge.
GC’s Back to your roots! campaign raises awareness about the treatment and prevention of root caries in the older population and offers a range of minimally invasive treatment solutions that place emphasis on prevention and manageable treatment.
For further information on GC’s full range of restorative products contact GC UK on 01908 218999, email info.uk@gc.dental or visit gc.dental/europe/en-GB
References
[i] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
[ii] https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/seniors
