What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay or dental caries are cavities form on the surface and inside the tooth, by destroying its structures. The destruction may affect both the outer layer of the tooth (called enamel), and the inner layer (called dentin).
What causes cavities?
When food containing carbohydrates (bread, cereals, milk, soda, fruit, cakes, bonbons, etc.) are left on the teeth, bacteria that live in the mouth turn them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating “holes” in the teeth called cavities.
Who gets cavities?
Many people think cavities affect children only, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. With aging, the gums recess and leave the teeth exposed.
Recession of the gums may also be associated with gum disease (periodontal disease). It exposes your teeth roots to plaque and tartar, and if you eat sugary food or carbohydrates, there is a higher risk to develop cavities.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
During the regular dental check-up, the dentist discovers if you have cavities. He will check your teeth, looking for cavities, stains or dental cracks and may use X-rays to check for interdental cavities or determine the cavity depth.
If your cavities are in advanced stages, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Sometimes you can see holes, stains in the teeth, or feel your teeth rough with your tongue.
How are cavities treated?
The cavities treatment depends on the extent of tooth decay. Most often, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth with a special instrument. This is done painlessly, with anaesthesia in case of extensive tooth decay. Later, the cavity is filled with composite resin, the same colour as the tooth. These materials are safe, resistant and aesthetic. Irrespective of the tooth decay stage, its treatment is painless, due to the new methods and work technologies that ensure patients’ comfort and safety during the intervention.
The patient will hardly notice the obturation (cavity filling) due to the same colour as the rest of the tooth. Generally, obturations need to be checked yearly and replaced 2-5 years later. At OZONO, we use high quality physiognomic and biologic restorative composite materials for an impeccable aesthetics and a perfect functionality.
Complications
If the decay is extensive, it may affect the dental nerve. In this case, the endodontist’s intervention will be necessary for root canal treatment to remove the inflamed or infected dental pulp (the nerve), to clean the canal and seal it with a watertight radiopaque material noticeable on the X-ray.
In our clinic the root canal therapy is done under the microscope by the endodontist to guarantee the successful treatment and patients’ maximum safety.