Caries treatment
Treating tooth decay involves removing the affected part of the tooth and restoring it to prevent further decay and restore normal function. The treatment process depends on the severity of the decay and its stage.
There are several types of tooth decay, which can be categorized based on their location on the tooth and stage of development. Each type of decay requires specific treatment depending on how advanced the tooth structure is. Here are the main types of tooth decay:
1. Coronary caries
- Localization: Carious cavities occur on the chewing surfaces of teeth (especially molars and premolars) or between teeth (in the interdental spaces).
- Features: This is the most common type of tooth decay and is caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque, food, and sugar on the surface of the tooth.
2. Root caries
- Localization: These carious cavities occur at the root of the tooth, especially in the elderly, as receding gums expose the root, which is not protected by enamel.
- Features: The roots of teeth are more vulnerable to bacteria than enamel because they are composed of dental cement, which is softer.
3. Interproximal (interdental) caries
- Localization: carious cavities form between teeth, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
- Features: They are often difficult to detect without x-rays and develop slowly, affecting enamel and dentin.
4. Potholes and cracks
- Localization: carious cavities occur on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, especially in the natural fissures and fossae of the tooth.
- Features:Food and bacteria accumulate in these deep grooves from where it is harder to clean them out.
5. Secondary (recurrent) caries
- Localization: forms at the edges of existing fillings or crowns.
- Features: can occur due to bacterial plaque that accumulates in gaps created by dental work or poorly done restorations.
6. Enamel caries (incipient)
- Localization: affects the superficial layer of the tooth - enamel.
- Features: In the early stages, tooth decay appears as a white spot on the enamel when the minerals in the tooth begin to demineralize. If left untreated, the decay deepens and damages the dentin and pulp of the tooth.
7. Deep caries
- Localization: these progressive carious cavities affect both enamel and dentin and can reach the pulp of the tooth.
- Features: Deep carious cavities usually cause severe pain and require more complex interventions.
8. Caries on baby teeth (bottle caries)
- Localization: affects the deciduous teeth of children, especially the anterior teeth.
- Features: develops rapidly due to prolonged exposure to sweet liquids (milk, juice) that stagnate in the mouth, especially during sleep.
Stages of tooth decay
Tooth decay can affect all layers of the tooth. There are five main stages of tooth decay:
- Demineralization: in the first stage, you may notice small white chalky spots on the tooth. This is due to the breakdown of minerals in the tooth enamel.
- Enamel decay: if untreated, tooth decay progresses and continues to destroy the enamel. At this stage, the decay may become visible. White spots may turn a light brown color.
- Caries: dentin is the layer directly underneath the enamel of the tooth. It is much softer than enamel. Therefore, once plaque and bacteria get into this layer, decay forms more quickly. At this stage, you may notice tooth sensitivity. The stains on your teeth may also turn dark brown.
- Pulp damage: the pulp is the inner layer of the tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels that carry nutrients and keep the tooth alive. When decay reaches the pulp, pain occurs. You may also notice redness and swelling of the gums. The stains on the tooth may become dark brown or black.
- Tooth abscess: if a deep cavity is left untreated, it can become infected. As a result, a pus pocket (abscess) forms at the top of the tooth root. Symptoms may include pain radiating to the jaw or face. There may also be swelling of the face and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In rare cases, the infection may spread to the brain or bloodstream.
Prevention
You can prevent tooth decay through good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing), regular dental checkups, and a balanced diet low in sugar. Fluoride and dental sealants can be additional measures to protect teeth from decay.
Treating cavities early is essential to prevent more serious dental problems and maintain oral health.
