Cavity treatment

Tooth decay is a disease of the hard tissues of the tooth, manifested by damage to the dental enamel and dentin.

If you postpone treating tooth decay, you may eventually lose your tooth altogether.

Tooth decay primarily occurs due to a lack of properly performed oral hygiene and subsequent formation of dental plaque on the tooth surface. Plaque contains a large number of bacteria that disrupt the enamel and weaken its hardness. This phase is professionally referred to as demineralization and is characterized by a white spot on the tooth. At this point, it is possible to stop decay without drilling through thorough hygiene and fluoride preparations.

If decay is not detected early through regular preventive check-ups, it begins to spread. First, into the layers of enamel, then into dentin, and further into the deepest layers, where complications such as inflammation of the dental pulp may occur. Therefore, if decay is not removed in time, it penetrates into the pulp cavity to the dental pulp, colloquially known as the ‘nerve’, where it causes the dental pulp to die, and consequently, the entire tooth. The solution to such a complication is quality root canal treatment.

Several options can be utilized for the early detection of tooth decay. Among the basic ones is a preventive dental examination, during which the dentist identifies any changes in the appearance of the tooth through observation and examination with a dental probe. Another very precise option is dental X-rays. Unfortunately, we cannot detect incipient decay ourselves through sensations (pain) because it does not hurt at all in these stages. This phase is therefore the best time to treat decay to avoid causing significant damage to dental tissue. Painfulness occurs only when decay spreads close to the dental pulp. The affected tooth is sensitive to thermal stimuli, various types of food (often sweet foods), and we experience unpleasant sensations, including bad breath.

Tooth decay is treated by a dentist using a dental drill. Initially, all decayed dentin is removed, and the resulting cavity (the space where dental tissue is missing) is shaped in such a way that the subsequent filling (plomb) adheres well, protects the tooth, and ensures the most perfect appearance.

Filling materials (plombs)

Currently, there are several high-quality filling materials used as replacements for lost parts of teeth.

They have better mechanical and aesthetic properties, look very natural, and unlike amalgam fillings, they do not contain mercury.