CARIES
Tooth decay is the result of the attack on the tooth by acids produced by bacteria. Bacteria are found in dental plaque, which is the biofilm that builds up on the surface of teeth.
To fully understand the process of the appearance of cavities, you have to know the anatomy of a tooth. A tooth is made up of 3 distinct tissues: Enamel, Dentin and Pulp (which includes the nerve and blood vessels).
Stage 1
In stage 1 the acid attack will cause decalcification and decomposition of the enamel. AT by this time there are usually no symptoms. We can observe discoloration and friability of the enamel during the clinical examination if the decay is located on the visible part of the crown. To detect inter-dental caries, i.e. between the teeth, an X-ray examination is necessary.
Stage 2
The decay continues to progress and will attack the tissue just below the enamel: dentin. The progression will then be much faster because it is much softer than the enamel which covers it.
Stage 3
The vitality of the tooth is greatly compromised. The decay progressed through the dentin and reached the nerve (the pulp). The dental nerve becomes inflamed: it is pulpitis (the famous toothache). The pains are then very severe and the solution is then to devitalize the tooth in order to remove the nerve and therefore the pain.
Stage 4
In stage 4 in addition to compromising the vitality of the tooth, the inflammation has turned into infection and extends to the whole of the pulp. This forms an abscess at the end of the root. Without adequate management, in addition to pain when chewing, it forms a more or less suppurative swelling in the gum area. A fever may be observed.
What are the first signs of the presence of cavities?
Localized sensitivities to hot, cold, sugar and one of the foods that get stuck between the teeth are usually the warning signs of cavities.
What causes cavities?
The main cause is the presence of dental plaque. Despite regular brushing, the consumption of sugars, nibbling between meals and the absorption of acid products (orange, lemon, grapefruit etc etc ...) lead to higher caries susceptibility.
The treatment of cavities is completely painless. A local anesthesia is carried out for your comfort and in general the installation of a composite resin to the color of your tooth is enough to stop the caries problem. The faster the cavities are taken in charge the more treatment will be quick and minimal. One more reason to carry out regular checks. If you have read the text above correctly, you will easily understand that it is important not to wait until it hurts, a cavity in stage 1 is much easier and faster to treat than in stage 4 (and less expensive!) .
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