Preserving Teeth What’s the Limit?Dr. Meizi Eliezer
Introduction
Tooth preservation is at the heart of modern periodontology. Dr. Meizi Eliezer’s recent webinar, now available as an engaging video presentation, delves into the possibilities and limitations of saving compromised teeth. With the advancements in regenerative techniques and periodontal therapy, we must ask: What is the true limit of tooth preservation?
The Importance of Tooth Preservation
Many patients visit the clinic with advanced periodontal disease, characterized by loss of attachment—whether bone, tissue, or both. Traditional treatment often leads to extractions, but with improved understanding and innovative materials, many of these teeth can now be saved.
Research has shown that untreated dental pockets exceeding 6mm can lead to tooth loss over time. Similarly, infra-bony defects and furcation involvement in Class II and III cases significantly increase the risk of losing teeth. However, with proper diagnosis and intervention, even these conditions can be managed successfully.
Regenerative Periodontal Therapy
The key to extending the life of natural teeth lies in regenerative periodontal therapy. This involves:
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Thorough Assessment: Evaluating systemic factors, probing depths, and radiographic findings.
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Non-Surgical Interventions: Scaling and root planing, along with regenerative materials, can promote healing without the need for surgical intervention.
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Surgical Techniques: Advanced procedures such as guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and biomaterials like enamel matrix derivatives (e.g., Emdogain) encourage new periodontal attachment.
Clinical Case Highlights
Dr. Eliezer’s presentation showcases remarkable cases where teeth initially deemed unsalvageable were preserved through strategic treatment approaches. From deep infrabony defects to severe furcation involvements, her methodology demonstrates that proper intervention can lead to new bone formation, attachment gain, and long-term tooth retention.
The Future of Periodontal Treatment
With ongoing advancements, the focus remains on early detection, minimally invasive treatments, and patient education. The more we understand about regenerative potential, the more we can redefine the limits of tooth preservation.
Watch the full presentation on YouTube.
