We often hear the word "caries" from dentists, and many have directly encountered this problem. What it is? What are its types and forms? Why is he dangerous? And how to treat it? And what to do in order to avoid dental caries?
Caries is a pathological process that is manifested by the demineralization of enamel and the progressive destruction of the hard tissues of the tooth with the formation of a cavity under the influence of microorganisms. Its course can be both acute and chronic. Caries is "in the stain stage"; -initial caries, superficial, medium and deep. Surface caries begins to destroy the enamel, medium and deep caries destroys the dentin (the inner tissues of the tooth). Caries treatment depends on the stage.
The appearance of white spots on the enamel surface (from a slightly matte shade to bright white) indicates the occurrence of caries in the white spot stage. The spot can also be brown in the chronic course of the disease. This is the very first, initial stage of caries. Thanks to the modern, unique ICON technique, innovative caries treatment consists in the ability to stop the development of these processes without preparation (without a drill machine) and without loss of healthy tooth tissues. You can read more about this technique here. (Go to the page about the ICON method)
Caries can be stopped in the early stages. If caries is a "small black hole" and does not cause pain, this is far from a reason to postpone thoughts about treatment for later. The cavity inside your tooth, which was made by the germs that caused caries, can be much wider than the outer opening in the enamel.
( Photo 1.) A real longitudinal section of a tooth with a deep caries
Caries can not be noticed at all if it is located in the interdental space. After all, in the initial period, he does not bother at all. Such caries is called "hidden caries". Most often, the localization of such caries is the contact surfaces of the teeth.
(Photo 2. X-ray) Type of caries of the contact points on the X-ray.
Photo 3. Before and after treatment of contact ("hidden") caries.
Treatment of caries. Stages:
- Pain relief. In most cases, caries treatment is carried out under local anesthesia.
- Removal of pathological tissues from the carious cavity, medical treatment with special solutions of antiseptics.
- Cavity sealing. During the installation of the seal, its color is determined (when working with aesthetic materials), the working surface is isolated from the rest of the oral cavity with a rubber dam or simple cotton balls, and then the material is actually introduced into the cavity.
- Finishing. Bite correction, grinding and polishing.
In our clinic, caries treatment is carried out using the best materials of world-famous dental brands.
You should also not forget about the timely prevention of caries and its complications.
It is recommended to visit the dentist once every 6 months. Carrying out professional hygiene reduces the risk of tooth decay by 70%. By visiting our dentists once every six months, you will avoid the unpleasant consequences of caries and other dental diseases.