Conservative dentistry
Dental caries is a disease caused by bacteria in oral cavity leading to bacterial break down of the hard tissue of the teeth – enamel, dentin and in some cases cementum as well. The first signs of caries can be often missed since it develops in spaces that are not easily accessible, such as interdental areas. Initially the process covers only the enamel – the outer tissue of teeth, it is visible only after precise drying of a tooth as a matt white spot – i.e. carious spot. If carious focus is discovered at this stage and fluoride release is applied, there is a possibility of inhibiting the process and preventing further demineralization, i.e. destruction of the tissue.
Untreated disease process, gradually in time starts destroying dentine – the tissue directly under the enamel. Cavity enlarges gradually. The deeper the dentine is destroyed, the greater likelihood of pain, especially in case of consuming sweet, sour and cold drinks and food. Carries is visible at this stage – depending on the level – as a dark spot or a ”hole”. Treatment in this case is about cleaning the cavity of destroyed tissue and filling it ideally to remodel tooth function, shape and colour.
The scheme of caries – from healthy tissue to root canals infected with bacteria.
If the process is not stopped, and the tooth hurts, pain will increase at night, under the influence of heat, then it is likely that bacteria reached dental pump causing inflammation. To terminate unpleasant pain, it is necessary to carry out a root canal treatment and rebuild a dental crown.
As previously mentioned, caries is a long, gradual process, therefore, it is necessary to attend regular check-ups so as to undertake treatment at the right moment.
There are many methods of detecting and diagnosing caries. The most basic one is the examination conducted by a dentist, which should be best carried out by clearing teeth of tartar and plague to eliminate all ”misleading factors”.
In dubious cases, x-ray is taken, i.e. bitewing x-ray that allows to observe carries. Moreover, a tooth might be illuminated with UV light, and applying caries detectors helps in a diagnostic process. Once detected, caries treatment is about removing soft decay and applying a composite filling. It is painless since it is carried out with local anaesthesia. In Endodentica we work on materials of highest quality, which allows us to achieve optimal results and great aesthetics. Our fillings imitate tooth’s original shape and appearance making them invisible.
Dentin hypersensitivity
Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most common problems Patients face. It is defined as short, sharp pain, occurring most often during the intake of cold drinks and food. This pain often resembles pulp inflammation and might be mistaken for it.
Dentin hypersensitivity is most often caused receding gums and exposing the tooth’s root. Cementum and dentin are devoid of protective layer of enamel and at the same time are richly innervated, which makes them susceptible to all irritant factors.
Gum recession is mostly caused by:
- improper alignment of teeth and tooth overstrain,
- periodontal disorder,
- too intensive brushing.
Moreover, patients suffering from bruxism and jaw clenching are more prone to tooth recession and hypersensitivity.
There are a variety of methods to fight these unpleasant phenomena.
When a Patient feels pain described as week or moderate, frequently the application of fluoride or a special preparation fighting hypersensitivity is sufficient. In Endodentica we use Dentsply’s Seal&Protect, which blocks exposed dentin canals and brings relief. Sometimes treatment needs to be repeated after a few months.
If a greater root area is exposed, fluoride or anti-hypersensitivity preparations application is not sufficient. In such cases, filling is applied that covers the entire exposed area.
