How Are Baby Boomers Changing Dentistry?

Submitted by: Don Georgevich

Today, the Baby Boomer generation accounts for the largest demographic of the patients treated. Advances in pharmaceutical and medical research have kept this group healthier longer than any other time in history. As dentists, we no longer see as many people who need full dentures. The Boomers benefited from water fluoridation and have managed to keep their teeth for most of their adult life. But they not only want to keep their teeth, they also want their teeth to look nice. They invest lots of money for cosmetic treatments, both dental and medical to maintain a youthful appearance.

The dental practice model has changed also. We have moved away from the insurance-driven, drill, fill, and bill concept. We spend more time educating patients about the impact oral health has on the entire body. We now treat periodontal disease with more emphasis because researchers have found periodontal pathogens in arterial plaques. Research also has shown a link between periodontal disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Many Baby Boomers grew up having their cavities filled with silver amalgam. In these cases, they had the same tooth filled multiple times over the course of their life. Each time the tooth was prepared for a new filling, more natural tooth structure was removed. Eventually the individual tooth will not be strong enough to retain another filling. Once the silver or the tooth breaks down, the only option for proper restoration is a full crown.

Today, there are alternative treatments using the CEREC machine (a CAD/CAM device used to make ceramic tooth-colored restorations) that replace the anatomy lost to dental caries, silver fillings, and cracks. In many cases, a more conservative restoration is recommended, such as an Onlay. For an onlay, only the defective tooth structure and the decaying silver filling is removed, in order to replace the lost anatomy with a strong, ceramic, tooth-colored restoration.

Unlike silver amalgam, the porcelain used for CEREC restorations expands and contracts at the same rate as natural teeth. This material also mimics tooth enamel. Therefore, CEREC restorations import less internal stress to a tooth and do not unnecessarily wear down an opposing tooth. The patient is provided with a healthy, long term restoration that looks like a natural tooth!

Once the patient has a solid periodontal foundation, the CEREC inlays, onlays, veneers, full crowns, and implant crowns can be made in one office visit. See your Dentist for more information about dental health for Baby Boomers.

About the Author: Published by Summit Dental Plans

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