Medical

Cavity treatment

What is cavity treatment?

Cavities are a dental disease that occurs when the enamel on the surface of the tooth and the underlying dentin are eroded by acids produced by cavity-causing bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans.

Main Symptoms of Cavities

Main Causes or Reasons for Cavities

Poor oral hygiene.

Neglecting proper brushing and flossing allows food particles and bacteria to remain on the surface of the teeth, leading to the formation of plaque, which can cause cavities.

Sugar consumption.

Consuming foods and drinks that contain sugar or carbohydrates allows oral bacteria to metabolize these sugars and produce acid. This acid erodes the enamel and dentin, leading to the development of cavities.

Consumption of acidic foods and drinks.

Consuming acidic foods and drinks (e.g., soft drinks, citrus fruits, vinegar, sour candies) increases the acidity in the mouth, making the tooth tissue more susceptible to erosion.

Mouth breathing or dryness.

When mouth breathing or reduced saliva production causes dryness in the mouth, it becomes more difficult to neutralize acids and control oral bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities.

Genetic factors.

Genetic factors are also believed to play a role in the development of cavities. The quality of teeth and the properties of saliva can be genetically influenced, which may affect the risk of developing cavities.

Main Treatment Methods for Cavities

Composite resin.

The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the area is then restored with a filling. While silver amalgam fillings were common in the past, more natural-looking white fillings (composite resin) are now frequently used.

Inlay or Onlay.

In cases of large cavities or significant tooth damage, composite resin alone may not be sufficient. In such situations, instead of creating a direct filling, a mold is taken, and a custom-made inlay or onlay is created by a dental technician and then used to restore the tooth.

Crown (Cap)

In cases of severe cavities or tooth damage, the tooth may be reshaped and covered with a crown to protect it. Crowns can be made from metal, ceramic, or a combination of both.

Root canal treatment

If the cavity reaches the nerve or if the tip of the root becomes infected, root canal treatment may be necessary. In root canal treatment, the nerve of the tooth is removed, the inside of the root is cleaned and disinfected, and then sealed. Typically, a crown may be required after root canal treatment.

If Cavities Are Left Untreated...

Worsening pain.

As a cavity progresses and reaches the nerve, the pain can become severe. This pain can affect daily activities and eating, potentially reducing the quality of life.

Root infection (Periapical disease).

When tooth decay progresses to the nerves and the infection spreads to the tip of the root, a condition called apical periodontitis may occur. This can lead to the accumulation of pus and the infection may spread to the jawbone.

Progression of periodontal disease

Tooth decay can promote the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the tooth surface, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to inflammation of the gums, destruction of the alveolar bone, and even tooth loss.

Tooth loss

As tooth decay progresses, the tooth structure can be destroyed, potentially leading to tooth loss. Tooth loss can result in reduced chewing function and speech issues, significantly impacting the quality of life.

Systemic effects

Oral health is closely related to overall health. As tooth decay progresses, bacteria in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

About Tooth Decay Treatment at Our Clinic

Tooth decay that has progressed to a certain extent will not heal on its own. The decayed area is removed, and the infection is eliminated. After that, the treated area is restored with fillings or crowns. If the decay is extensive, the treatment will be performed under anesthesia to minimize pain. Since tooth decay can cause pain and lead to infections in surrounding areas as it progresses, early treatment is necessary.

Nowadays, ceramic materials, which are less likely to cause allergies and are less noticeable, are commonly used, so please consult with us. We will conduct an oral examination to assess the condition and, if necessary, perform X-rays or CT scans.

Process of Tooth Decay Treatment

STEP 1

Depending on the size and condition of the tooth decay, anesthesia will be administered. To reduce pain during anesthesia, a topical anesthetic is applied before using an electric anesthesia injector.

STEP 2

Using cutting equipment, we perform the procedure with minimal cutting and strain (MI). MI refers to minimally invasive dental treatment, and at our clinic, we use magnifying lenses to view the decay more clearly and use compact cutting instruments to remove the decay with minimal impact.

STEP 3

To ensure that no decay is left behind, we use a staining material to identify and confirm the presence of decay before proceeding with the treatment. We use caries detection liquid (a liquid that reveals remaining decay) to ensure that only the decayed parts are removed.

STEP 4

Depending on the size of the tooth decay, an impression may be taken to create fillings or crowns. If the decay is small, it will be repaired with composite resin, and the procedure will be completed. If the decay has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be necessary.