OralSmile Dental Clinic in Tavira offers a wide range of specialties, including Dentistry.
Dentistry is the area responsible for the aesthetics and restoration of fractured teeth, as well as the restoration of teeth with cavities. This type of treatment is carried out using materials that replace the structure of the lost tooth. Within this area, there are specific treatments such as teeth whitening, direct or indirect composite resin reconstruction (Inlays/Onlays), veneers, and aesthetic restoration.
What is dental caries?
Dental caries is caused by certain bacteria that can lead to the partial or total destruction of the tooth. The presence of these bacteria in the mouth is associated with inadequate diet and poor oral hygiene, which facilitates the appearance of bacteria. In extreme cases, dental caries can cause serious infections, impacting the patient's oral health.
How does dental caries develop?
Foods containing carbohydrates, such as sweets, cakes, candies, etc., when ingested, are broken down by cariogenic bacteria, producing acids that dissolve the mineral content of the teeth, leading to the formation of cavities. Eating between meals or at night before going to bed can particularly contribute to the development of cavities.
Are all teeth affected in the same way?
No. Teeth most susceptible to dental caries are those that have not yet reached full maturity. On the other hand, molars and premolars have a more irregular shape, with grooves and fissures, which allows food residues to lodge more easily and for a longer period. This problem is associated with a greater difficulty in brushing these teeth, as they are located further back, facilitating the accumulation of bacteria and the formation of carious lesions.
Why do cavities cause severe tooth pain?
The process of caries development is generally slow and initially marked by the appearance of a white spot on the enamel surface, which over time leads to the formation of a small cavity in the tooth. Through this cavity, bacteria quickly reach the dentin, a tissue softer than enamel, more easily dissolved by acids produced by the bacteria. At the beginning of these small cavities, there are no significant symptoms. However, in more advanced stages, with deeper cavities, sensitivity and bad breath increase, and pain occurs due to different stimuli (hot, cold, or sweet), or even very intense spontaneous pain. In this case, the caries has reached the dentin, causing increasingly severe symptoms as the cavity deepens.
How can I know if I have dental caries?
The presence of a cavity or the absence of a part of the tooth is a sign of advanced dental caries. In the early stages, caries is not easily detected, usually only by a dentist. If you notice any color changes in the tooth, such as white, yellowish, brown, or black spots on the top of the tooth, you should consult a dentist for an examination. Carious lesions between teeth can be detected by flossing, as it gets stuck or frayed in their presence.
What precautions should I take to prevent dental caries?
- Perform proper daily oral hygiene.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste after meals.
- Nighttime brushing is the most important, and no more food should be consumed after brushing;
- Floss between teeth at least once a day, ideally at night;
- Eat nutritionally balanced meals and limit snacking between meals;
- If brushing is not possible after a main meal, you can chew sugar-free gum. However, gum does not replace brushing!
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- The use of fluoride supplements and recommendations for fissure sealing should always be assessed by your dentist.
What materials are available for tooth restoration?
Materials composed of resin (tooth-colored materials) are the most commonly used by dentists for tooth restoration. For posterior teeth, silver amalgam in a metal alloy can be used. For teeth with extensive lesions, the best treatment option is often a fixed prosthesis. This type of restoration requires laboratory work, so it needs more appointments for a detailed prognosis.
Can a tooth darkened by an amalgam restoration regain its color after a new composite resin restoration?
Most old amalgam restorations affect the pigmentation of the tooth tissues (dentin and enamel), leaving the tooth with a grayish tone. Replacing it with composite resin can significantly improve this aesthetic problem. However, if the pigmentation is very deep, it might require the removal of part of the healthy dental structure, which is not advisable in most cases.
Does a composite resin restoration last as long as a metal amalgam restoration?
Amalgam or gold restorations have a durability of 10-20 years. Composite resins are more sensitive and have a shorter lifespan. However, current clinical studies have shown excellent long-term results, with a maximum durability of 8-10 years.
How should I maintain restorations?
It is advised to carry out a rigorous daily oral hygiene routine. Regular visits to your dentist are important and will allow for a clinical reassessment of the condition of your restorations. Restorations are continuously subjected to forces related to food chewing, which can cause wear, cracks, and fractures. When a restoration is compromised, it will need to be repaired or partially replaced.
Are there any foods or drinks that affect the stability of the color of aesthetic materials?
In composite resin restorations, the color can change over time due to the incorporation of some pigments into microscopic pores in the resin. Some foods and drinks also contain artificial pigments that facilitate and accelerate this process, such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, and tobacco. For this reason, particularly in the presence of restorations, it is advisable to avoid consuming these products, especially in the days following restorations and outside of meal times.
