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Treatment of Dental Caries

Treating dental caries involves removing the affected part of the tooth and restoring it to prevent further damage and to restore normal function. The treatment process depends on the severity of the caries and its stage.

What is dental caries?

There are several types of dental caries, which can be classified according to their location on the tooth and stage of development. Each type of cavity requires specific treatment depending on how advanced the damage to the tooth structure is. Here are the main types of dental caries:

1. Coronal Caries
  • Location: This type of caries appears on the chewing surface of the teeth (especially on molars and premolars) or between teeth (in the interdental spaces).
  • Characteristics: These are the most common types of caries and are caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque, food, and sugars on the tooth surface.
2. Root caries
  • Location: This type of caries occurs on the root of the tooth, especially in elderly people, because gum recession exposes the root, which is not protected by enamel.
  • Characteristics: The tooth root is more vulnerable to bacterial attacks than the enamel, being composed of dental cementum, which is softer.
3. Interproximal (interdental) caries
  • Location: These cavities form between teeth, especially in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
  • Characteristics: They are often difficult to detect without dental X-rays and develop slowly, affecting the enamel and dentin.
4. Pit and Fissure Caries
  • Location: These cavities appear on the chewing surface of the molars and premolars, especially in the natural fissures and pits of the tooth.
  • Characteristics: Food and bacteria accumulate in these deep grooves, where they are harder to remove by brushing
5. Secondary (recurrent) caries
  • Location: Forms around the edges of existing fillings or crowns.
  • Characteristics: Can occur due to bacterial plaque accumulating in the spaces created by dental work, or due to a poorly done dental restoration.
6. Enamel caries (incipient)
  • Location: Affects the superficial layer of the tooth, the enamel.
  • Characteristics: In the early stage, the cavity appears as a white spot on the enamel, where the minerals in the tooth begin to demineralize. If left untreated, it will deepen and affect the dentin and pulp of the tooth.
7. Deep cavities
  • Location: These advanced cavities affect both the enamel and the dentin and can reach the dental pulp.
  • Characteristics: Deep cavities usually cause intense pain and require more complex interventions.
8. Caries in baby teeth (bottle caries)
  • Location: Affects children’s baby teeth, especially the front teeth.
  • Characteristics: Develops rapidly due to prolonged exposure to sweet liquids (milk, juice) that stagnate in the mouth, especially during sleep.
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Stages of dental caries

Cavities can affect all layers of the tooth. There are five main stages of dental caries:

  • demineralization: during this 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 caries:if left untreated, dental caries progresses and continues to break down the enamel. At this point, the cavities may become visible. White spots may turn a light brown color.
  • dental caries:dentin is the layer located right under the tooth enamel. It is much softer than enamel. So, once plaque and bacteria reach this layer, cavities form faster. At this stage, you may notice tooth sensitivity. Also, the spots on the teeth may become a darker brown.
  • pulp damage:the dental pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains the 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. Spots on the tooth may become darker brown or black.
  • Abscessed tooth: if left untreated, a deep cavity can cause infections. This results in a pocket of pus (dental abscess) forming at the tip of the tooth root. Symptoms may include pain radiating into the jaw or face. Facial swelling and inflamed lymph nodes in the neck may also develop. In rare cases, the infection can even spread to the brain or bloodstream.

Prevention

Preventing tooth decay is possible through proper oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, using dental floss), regular dental check-ups, and a balanced diet low in sugar. Fluoride and dental sealants can be additional measures to protect teeth against decay.
Treating cavities in time is essential to prevent more serious dental problems and to maintain oral health.

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FAQ

QUESTIONS / ANSWERS

Caries can begin without obvious symptoms, but as it develops, you may feel sensitivity to sweet, cold or hot foods, pain when chewing, or notice brown or black spots on your teeth. The dentist can also detect early-stage caries during a routine check-up or through X-rays.