Health-Span Dentistry: A Call for Precision and Preservation

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Over the years, I’ve become increasingly convinced that some of the most satisfying dentistry we do is the kind that preserves. Not just for the sake of being conservative—but to genuinely prolong the health-span of teeth.

That’s why I was pleased to see the recently published consensus statement from the SSRD, SEPES, and PROSEC Conference on Minimally Invasive Restorations. In particular, statements 2.7.1–2.7.4 put into words what I’ve long experienced in practice:

In other words, we can—and should—use the strength and reliability of modern ceramics to protect what's left of the natural tooth, not replace it unnecessarily.

This reflects my own experience with CEREC. When done with care, precision, and an understanding of adhesive protocols, these restorations don’t just fill space—they function as guardians of the remaining tooth structure. There’s a deep satisfaction that comes with knowing you’ve extended the lifespan of a tooth by decades, not just patched it for the short term or reduced to unnecessarily.

But here’s the challenge:
This approach demands more from the clinician.

More attention to detail.
More understanding of materials.
More respect for the tooth’s biology.
More commitment to doing it right.

This is not the path of least resistance. But it is the path forward.

If we want to shift our profession’s thinking from “fixing teeth” to “extending their health-span,” we’ll need to raise the bar—not lower it.

We’ll need to embrace the idea that our role isn’t to dominate the tooth, but to partner with it. To preserve what nature gave, and support it with what technology now allows.

That’s not just good dentistry. That’s ethical, progressive, patient-first care.

Have a great week

Rosie