Caries

Rotten tooth

Cavities are holes, or structural damage in the teeth.

Treatment

The treatment can help prevent injury in the tooth becomes caries.

The treatment for dental caries comprises:

• Fillings

• Crowns

• Treatment of canal

• The dentists fill the tooth by removing the decayed material with a drill and replacing it with materials such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain or composite resin. The porcelain and composite resin more closely resemble the natural appearance of the tooth and can be the best alternative for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold are stronger and usually these materials are used for the back teeth. There is also a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth.

• Crowns and "coverage" are used if the tooth is badly deteriorated and not much structure left over, which can weaken him. Great fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of breaking teeth. A damaged or weakened area is removed and repaired. Place a crown on the remaining part of the tooth. Crowns are usually made of gold, porcelain or porcelain attached to a metal frame.

• Root canal treatment is recommended if the nerve of a tooth dies due to decay or injury. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue (pulp), is removed along with the damaged parts of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is completed and, if necessary, a crown is placed over it.

Prevention

Oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities. It consists of regular professional cleaning (every 6 months), brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. X-rays may be taken yearly to detect possible cavity development in high risk areas in the mouth.

It is preferable to eat chewable and sticky (like dried fruits and candies) as part of a meal rather than a snack. If possible, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after eating this type of food. Decrease the frequency of bites that create a continuous supply of acid in the mouth. Avoid sugary drinks and eat candies and sweets often.

Dental sealants can prevent some cavities. Sealants are thin plastic film applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This film prevents the accumulation of plaque in deep cavities of these vulnerable surfaces. Sealants are usually applied to children's teeth soon after the emergence of molars. Older people may also benefit from the use of sealants.

Normally, it is recommended to use fluoride to protect against tooth decay. It has been proven that people who ingest fluoride in water or through supplements have fewer cavities. If fluoride is ingested when the teeth are developing, it is incorporated into the structure of enamel and protects against the action of acids.

Topical fluoride is also recommended to protect the surface of the tooth. This may include toothpaste or mouth rinse with fluoride. Many dentists include the application of topical solutions fluoride (applied in a localized area of ​​the tooth) as part of routine visits.