Framingham Dental Group has begun to implement CAMBRA. It is a protocol to prevent cavities as opposed to “watching” decay grow in your mouth.

Risk for tooth decay

CAMBRA (the Caries Management by Risk Assessment protocol) is dentistry’s current model for managing tooth decay. It is designed to determine a patient’s risk for decay and the appropriate preventive and therapeutic approaches to each individual’s needs. Framingham Dental Group has begun to embrace this treatment philosophy and practice because 70% of all dental services provided are replacements of existing restorations, with decay the most frequent reason. After reviewing dental history, saliva reducing factors (medications, disease), recall compliance, diet, and completing a detailed clinical examination, the patient’s risk is considered high if there is active decay, recession with exposed roots, defective old restorations, visible heavy plaque, a visibly dry mouth, or diagnostic tests of high bacterial counts. The presence of removable partials, crowns, and bridges can increase plaque levels and decay risk.

Treatment plan

After risk assessment is complete, a patient’s treatment plan can be tailored with regard to the frequency of radiographs and recall exams, saliva tests, use of antibacterials such as chlorhexidine and xylitol, in-office and daily use of fluoride as well as conservative resin restorations.