What is caries?
Tooth decay is the most common degenerative bacterial tooth disease in the world. It starts with the enamel, the outer surface of the tooth, with a loss of its component minerals (demineralization). It then continues by destroying the innermost layers of the tooth, the dentin, until it reaches the pulp, the deepest part, what is commonly called the "nerve." Tooth decay is formed by the action of bacteria normally present in the mouth and accumulated in bacterial plaque that adheres to tooth enamel.
The bacteria create an acidic environment that consumes and corrodes the enamel.
Caries
The proliferation of bacteria in the mouth.
Causes of caries
Excessive sugar consumption.
How to treat cavities
Fillings and inlays.
Caries prevention
Oral hygiene, fluoride and sealants.
The factors that promote tooth decay
Bacteria are the trigger for the onset of caries, but there are also other factors that favour their presence and growth inside the mouth and increase their aggressiveness:
genetic predisposition;
poor oral hygiene;
incorrect eating habits;
imperfect dental arches and/or crooked teeth that hinder cleaning;
hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding;
smoking;
age;
taking medication (antihistamines and antidepressants);
dysmetabolic diseases such as diabetes and Sjogren's syndrome, reflux, frequent vomiting.It is removed by removing the part of the tooth affected by the infection.
How do you treat caries?
The cavity is disinfected and the missing part of the tooth is reconstructed with a filling, inlay, veneer or crown. The choice is made according to the size of the cavity, safeguarding chewing and aesthetic requirements.
In the presence of deep caries, endodontic treatment (root canal treatment) is carried out.
What are fillings?
All tooth restorations performed directly in the mouth.
Their function is to restore the shape, function and aesthetics of the tooth.
After removal of infected tissue, the tooth cavity is filled with biocompatible materials such as ceramics, composite resins and glass ionomer cements in order to reconstruct the shape of the tooth. Polishing serves to reduce porosity and limit plaque build-up.
The use of these biocompatible and metal-free materials allows us to achieve natural and durable results.
What are inlays?
These are the restorations needed for cases of deep caries, broken teeth where it is impossible to proceed with filling.
After the caries has been removed and the tooth has been prepared using a conservative technique, an "impression" of the tooth is taken, and a small, custom-made prosthesis is made in the laboratory.
The inlay is made of biocompatible materials, such as ceramic or composite, depending on the physician's instructions. It is then cemented to the natural tooth part, returning to its original shape.
Metal free philosophy
We have long since abandoned the use of metal restorative materials in all prosthetic fillings and rehabilitations, preferring metal-free, biocompatible and healthy materials, using different types of ceramic and composite.
Clinical cases
The phases of the route
The dental diagnosis
During the examination the doctor looks for the presence of any micro-holes in the enamel. If during the inspection the probe gets stuck in the grooves we are looking at initial softening of the enamel, a symptom of caries. Through the use of two different technologies, bitewing (special x-rays) and DiagnoCam (digital caries detection device) we arrive at the confirmation or non-confirmation of the diagnosis. Often, overview alone cannot detect caries in its initial state.
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The treatment of caries with inlay
In the presence of very extensive caries, affecting more than 50% of the surface of the dental crown, it is necessary to provide reconstruction of the missing part with an indirect technique: inlay. The application of the inlay involves two sessions, the first of treatment, preparation of the tooth and (digital) impression; the second of application of the inlay.
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The prevention of caries
Good oral hygiene, using a toothbrush, preferably an electric one, and flossing at least twice a day, helps eliminate plaque and microorganisms on the surface of the teeth. Sealing is recommended for children, with the aim of safeguarding the integrity and health of even milk teeth, thus avoiding future problems. Regular dental hygiene sessions allow plaque and tartar to be thoroughly removed, preventing the occurrence of cavities or intercepting them in their initial state.
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The treatment of caries with filling
If the caries involves only the first half of the enamel and is in its initial state, fluoride treatments can stop the carious process. In case the caries is deeper, it is removed and concomitant reconstruction of the missing part of the tooth is performed by filling. The session lasts about 1 hour, and if there are several cavities, it is possible to treat them together with a longer session.
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The treatment of caries with inlays: the "Chairside" technique
If it is not possible to commit several days, with the "Chairside" technique it is possible to apply the inlay in one sitting. After treatment, tooth preparation and digital impression, the inlay is made directly in the office and applied in the same session.
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They say about us...
28 ott 2021
Nicole A.
Ci tornerò sicuramente!
Ambiente accogliente, pulito e team professionale, specializzato e preparato. La tecnologia del laser, che non conoscevo, è una cosa pazzesca: mi è stata curata la carie ed io non ho sentito nulla. Prezzo giusto per il servizio. Ci tornerò sicuramente!
3 ott 2023
Giuseppe E.
Tutti i medici molto preparati e disponibili
Che dire è più di 30 anni che vengo in questo centro significa che mi trovo molto bene . Tutti i medici molto preparati e disponibili
3 nov 2022
Daniela N.
Ottimo servizio
Denti brillanti e personale gentile.. davvero un buona esperienza. Grazie!!