Caries Treatment

Scientifically speaking, caries is the pathological process, characterized by the demineralization and the consequent destruction of dental hard tissues through the influence of cariogenic microflora, resulting in a visible defect and in the formation of a hole in the tooth's surface. Caries is characterized by the destruction of a tooth, which starts with the dissolution of the tooth's component minerals and later the subsequent formation of a cavity. Demineralization, or the «washing out» of minerals, which form dental enamel, happens as a result of microbe activity. Bacteria, when «digesting» carbohydrates, excrete organic acids, which in turn, lead to the emergence of an acid medium in the mouth. This condition allows for the destruction of hydroxyapatite crystals, one of the key components of enamel. Eventually, microbes penetrate into deeper layers of the tooth and start destroying them as well.

Caries Treatment

The cause of caries is not only due to the presence of microbes in the oral cavity. Factors, such as nutrition, play a significant part in this process. Insufficient supply of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fluoride and other elements in the body also contribute to the development of caries. On the other hand, the supply of sugar and other easily soluble carbohydrates also supports the influence of microbes that in turn lead to tooth deterioration. Today, scientists attach great importance to the role of inherited factors, the state of the dental and maxillary system in the period of their formation, development and the subsequent eruption of teeth. It was observed long ago that the first permanent teeth to suffer are the sixth ones, because they are the earliest to erupt (enamel has not yet become saturated with calcium and fluoride which is found in saliva), and their cleaning is difficult.

Caries Treatment.

Several phases of caries can be observed. In the stain phase, this disease is typically uncovered in the course of a medical examination usually in the form of a white or a dark stain. Most of the time, the patient does not feel anything abnormal during this phase of caries development. The next phase is surface caries, which is usually characterized by transient toothaches caused by mechanical or temperature irritants. Enamel becomes rough. During this process, a cavity starts taking shape. In the presence of deep caries, touching the cavity causes immediate pain. When microbes penetrate deeper into the tooth structure, then pulpitis becomes present, known for it symptoms of acute or sharp pain.

Naturally, the sooner treatment starts, the better. To treat caries in the stain phase, remineralization (i.e. the reconstruction of a sufficient quantity of a mineral) is typically enough. Surface, intermediate and deep caries requires excavation of the cavity with the subsequent filling of the tooth. The prognosis of the problem depends on how soon the patient comes to see the dentist (that is to say, whether the problem is neglected or not), on the dentist's qualifications and experience, and the quality of materials and technologies employed.

The preventive measures against caries consist, first of all, in correct nutrition, good oral hygiene and regular (every 6 months) visits to the dentist. Mouthwashes and sugarless chewing gum that remove plaque and therefore aid in the prevention of corrosion due to bacterial activity, can also play an important part in the prevention of this disease.