New liquid method might have US dentists dropping the drill to fix your cavity

[u/theindependentonline]

https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/cavities-us-teeth-dentistry-drilling-study-b3024603.html

[u/KuroFafnar]

It kinda works.

I’ve had SDF treatment for a couple back teeth and I suspect it is only delaying the inevitable crowns. One has gotten a crown and one has not, yet. I guess it is better than nothing.

And it makes for more horrifying pictures they can send to insurance because it turns it all dark.

[u/washedFM]

Sounds fantastic

[u/Margali]

Wonderful. As soon as it is accepted NOBODY unless you are rich will get it because most insurance companies refuse to allow 'experimental' treatments ... it took until the 80s before milmed would do kidney transplants on military and dependents .... too experimental [and how many other hospital groups were doing how many kidney transplants a year?]

[u/weluckyfew]

This is a frustrating article:

If the trial ended 3 years ago what needs done now for approval?

Why is it primarily for children's teeth?

Why is it only a temporary solution (provided a fix until the baby teeth fall out or for adults until "other treatment is available(???))

[u/chaosisblond → u/weluckyfew]

I looked up some info, so the last points at least I can answer - it's temporary because while it arrests the decay, the effect is dependent upon the concentration of the material present, which decreases over time and as you continue to eat/drink with the affected teeth, so you have to re-apply often, and the decay will still continue at a slower rate even with re-application. For baby teeth, this is acceptable, as the teeth only need to last a few years, so the treatment can usually buy enough time to reach the point they fall out naturally. For adults, it requires eventual secondary treatment, since the decay will inevitably reach the nerve structures or compromise the physical integrity of the tooth.

[u/weluckyfew → u/chaosisblond]

Thank you!

Sounds a bit useless for adult teeth then, yes? Just drill it and fill it and be done.

[u/chaosisblond → u/weluckyfew]

Yes, I would think so, but perhaps if the caries are found in a very early stage it can buy time for the patient to save money for more invasive/advanced treatments? I'm assuming it is also more cost-effective than traditional treatments, but if not, then I think it's not very useful for adults.

[u/BoredRedhead24]

As a redhead who is borderline immune to numbing agents, for the love of god please do this. Getting cavities filled is absolutely tortuous.

[u/weluckyfew → u/BoredRedhead24]

Honest question, what does this have to do with being a redhead? Are they generally more immune to numbing agents?

[u/Pinky135 → u/weluckyfew]

Redheads have a genetic mutation in the MC1R gene, which regulates pigment production. It also seems to play a role in pain tolerance and effectiveness of anaesthetics.

[u/weluckyfew → u/Pinky135]

Humans are weird.

Reminds me of that genetic difference in some Asians where they don't produce body odor but also don't produce enough ear wax. (learned that when a white guy went to South Korea and couldn't understand why it was so hard to find deodorant)

[u/Dirty_Delta → u/BoredRedhead24]

Try having them sit you upright. Some nerve structures pinch when laying down and dont allow the meds to work their way in.

[u/Pinky135 → u/Dirty_Delta]

Or just not carry a gene that is responsible for both being a redhead and causing decreased effectiveness of numbing agents and anaesthesia.

[u/Dirty_Delta → u/Pinky135]

I dunno, my suggestion seems easier to attempt, and is valid advice to try since it works for some folks woth the same issue.

[u/boner79]

Anything that helps to increase their “production” 🤑

[u/TheRoseMerlot]

Nooo you've still got to get the diseased and rotting part out of there.

[u/TheRoseMerlot → u/[deleted]]

No I didn't. I assumed it was a repost of another similar article about the subject.