Stages of Tooth Decay and Their Treatment
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental diseases that affects the teeth and destroys their tissue. It develops gradually and goes through several stages, each of which requires its own approach to treatment. Let's look at the main stages of tooth decay and the methods of treatment.
1. Initial stage of tooth decay(stain stage)
At this stage, the damage to the teeth is minimal and appears as a white or dark spot on the enamel. This occurs due to demineralization of the enamel, which is the loss of minerals such as calcium and fluoride due to the acids produced by bacteria. Most often, patients experience no pain or discomfort, which makes diagnosis difficult without regular visits to the dentist.
In the initial phase, cavities can be cured without the use of a drill. Basic treatment includes:
- Remineralization. To restore the structure of the enamel, preparations containing fluoride and remineralizing gels containing calcium, phosphorus, and other necessary elements are used.
- Professional oral hygiene. Removing plaque and tartar helps eliminate the main cause of tooth decay: bacteria.
- Compliance with preventive measures. Brushing your teeth regularly with fluoride-containing toothpaste and avoiding frequent sugar consumption will help prevent the development of the disease.
2. Superficial cavity
If the initial tooth decay is not treated, the damage progresses, and the enamel begins to deteriorate. At this stage, cavities develop in the surface layer of the enamel, which can cause increased sensitivity of the teeth to cold, heat, or sweets.
Treatment of superficial caries includes:
- Minimally invasive procedure. The dentist removes the damaged area of ??the enamel using special tools or a laser.
- Filling. After removing the affected tissue, the defect is restored using composite materials that match the color of the tooth.
3. Medium cavity
Medium cavities are characterized by damage that penetrates deep into the tooth, affecting the dentin, the layer of tissue located below the enamel. At this stage, patients most often begin to experience a toothache, especially when eating cold, hot, or sweet food.
To treat medium tooth decay, the following methods are used:
- Removal of the affected dentin. The dentist uses a drill to remove damaged tissue.
- Use of a treatment pad. To protect the dental pulp (inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels), a special calcium-containing pad is placed on the bottom of the cavity.
- Filling. After cavity preparation, the tooth is restored using composite or glass ionomer materials.
4. Deep cavity
Deep tooth decay is the most severe form of the disease, where the damage reaches the pulp. In this phase, the patient may feel severe pain, especially at night or if exposed to temperature changes.
Treatment of deep caries requires a more complex approach:
- Removal of damaged tissue. The dentist removes all the affected areas of the dentin and preserves as much of the healthy part of the tooth as possible.
- Pulp treatment. If the pulp is damaged, a root canal (nerve removal) may be necessary.
- Filling. After treating the cavity, the tooth is filled with filling material.
- Prostheses. If a significant part of the tooth is destroyed, restoration using a crown is possible.
5. Complicated tooth decay
If a deep cavity is not treated, it can develop into complicated forms, such as pulpitis or cyst formation. These conditions are accompanied by severe pain and swelling and may require oral surgery.
Treatment options include:
- Endodontic treatment. This includes cleaning and debriding the root canals, followed by filling them.
- Surgery. In the case of an abscess or cyst, resection of the root tip or extraction of the tooth may be necessary.
- Prostheses. After root canal treatment, the tooth is restored using an inlay, crown, or bridge.
The bottom line
Tooth decay is a serious disease that, if not treated in time, can lead to tooth loss. Understanding the stages in the development of caries and the methods of their treatment makes it possible not only to maintain healthy teeth but also to minimize the discomfort associated with visiting the dentist. Regular preventive care and good hygiene will help prevent outbreaks of this disease and keep your smile healthy for many years.