The result is a sealed restoration with the filled cavity and
sealed pits and fissures adjacent to it, which provides additional protection
against recurrent caries attacks.
International research shows that ART restorations are as
durable and successful as conventional restorations and are considered
as permanent fillings. Not only does the procedure help to reduce bacteria
causing caries, but chemically bonds the filling material to cavity walls,
thus preventing any further nutrient supply to remaining bacteria. In
effect bacteria ‘starve’ and become inactive. Continued fluoride release
by the filling material also acts toxic against bacteria and assist in
the remineralisation and rebuild of weakened tooth tissues.
Although no ‘magic bullet’ to solve all problems related
to dental caries, the ART concept holds many advantages, for the dental
practice. The mechanics needed for ART does not depend on complicated
mechanical instruments but rather makes use of the already sufficient
number of available hand instruments in any dental clinic. These are not
only more durable and cheaper to buy and maintain, but also significantly
reduces the risk of cross infection.
Since ART is painless, only removing the soft, non sensitive
carious tooth tissues, there is no need for injecting local anaesthetics.
The treatment is thus much more accessible to and more easily applied
to toddlers, children, patients with general contra-indications
for local anaesthetic and housebound patients. Both patients and dental
practitioners are benefiting. The treatment is painless, safe, cost-effective
and preventative of further tooth decay. The dentist is no longer
seen as the inflictor of pain, a perception, which causes much stress
amongst oral health professionals in their daily practice. All in
all, a win situation.
Dentists around the country who have undergone ART training
and have implemented the treatment are giving enthusiastic feedback on
its success. So, no more reasons to put off that long overdue visit to
the dentist.
Just ask for ART!
(Pic 5 and 6 courtesy of the Dental Research institute,
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.)
