Dental therapeutic treatment

Treatment of dental caries (or tooth decay). Dental caries is one of the most common dental diseases worldwide. It is necessary to treat affected teeth because if dental caries is left untreated, it can lead to more serious dental or gum diseases. During dental therapeutic treatment, the affected tooth is treated and prepared with restorative (filling) material.

Dental caries can occur due to various reasons, but the most common causes are:

• Poor or inadequate oral hygiene. Without proper care or improper dental hygiene practices, dental plaque begins to accumulate on the teeth, in between them, and along the gumline. Dental plaque is rich in bacteria and other microorganisms, which gradually damage the hard tissues of the teeth;
• Reduced mineral content in tooth enamel;
• Unhealthy diet, consuming excessive carbohydrates and sugary foods;
• Genetic predisposition.

Upon visiting the dentist, the first step is diagnostic examination, which helps determine which teeth are affected and the extent of the damage. Once the affected teeth are identified, the treatment process begins. It starts with anesthesia to ensure comfort, followed by the removal of the decayed tooth tissue, preparing the tooth cavity for filling. During the filling procedure, a layering technique is used. A softer filling material similar to dentin is placed first, followed by a harder enamel layer on the tooth surface. This filling method allows for the restoration of the natural tooth structure, where the softer filling inside does not interfere with chewing, while the harder enamel ensures the tooth’s strength and durability. The dentist selects the enamel color to match the patient’s natural tooth color, resulting in a filled tooth that blends seamlessly with the rest.

If the tooth decay is extensive, the treatment may require multiple visits. In cases where the decay has reached the tooth nerve, the nerve is first “deactivated” to prepare it for endodontic treatment. During the initial visit, a temporary filling is placed on the tooth to prevent food debris from entering. Once the tooth is prepared according to the planned treatment, it is filled with a permanent filling.

Untreated tooth decay can lead to complications such as pulpitis and/or periodontitis, which involve the destruction of the deep tissues of the tooth, leading to abscesses and/or inflammation. These complications can have an impact on the overall health of the body, including conditions such as sinusitis, throat diseases, digestive tract disorders, joint diseases, or even heart attacks.

Filled teeth, just like unfilled ones, need constant care and good oral hygiene. It is recommended to have a professional dental cleaning at least once a year or every six months. During these cleanings, the fillings are polished, which helps to extend their lifespan.

Cosmetic dental filling is a method of restoring a damaged tooth that focuses on preserving the natural tooth structure, recreating the anatomical form of the tooth, and achieving a natural color, translucency, and shine. It is commonly recommended when one or several teeth have changed in color, following a dental trauma, to restore worn or chipped teeth, to correct misshapen teeth, or after significant decay.

• there is a desire to restore worn or discolored tooth surfaces;
• there is a need to eliminate gaps between teeth;
• there is a desire to correct tooth irregularities;
• there is a desire to change the shape or color of the teeth;
• there is a need to restore chipped or decayed teeth.

At SDC clinic, dental fillings are performed using high-quality materials. The dentist selects fillings that closely match the natural color and translucency of the patient’s healthy teeth.