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.