What is Restorative and conservative dentistry?
A dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used artificially to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma.
Until recently, dentists filled and sealed cavities exclusively using (a silver and mercury) amalgam. Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic based substance that hardens into a strong attractive material.
What are the pros and cons of composite fillings?
The major advantage of these fillings is that they come in a range of shades that closely match the color of an individual`s tooth. Due to the increased strength of modern composite material, they can now also be used in the back teeth. Unfortunately, composite fillings are 2 times more expensive than traditional restorations.
Do I have to take special care after the filling has been placed?
Patients may have increased sensitivity in the tooth for several weeks following the procedure. Composite fillings are porous. Over time, they may become stained from coffee, tea, tobacco, etc. Many dentists place a clear covering over the filling to avoid any future staining. Composite fillings typically last three to twelve years, depending on the location of the restoration, an individual`s occlusion (or bite), and one`s home care. Indirect porcelain inlays do not stain as easily as direct composites.
A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to chewing surfaces of the back teeth (pre-molars and molars). This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.
What produces dental caries?
Essentially bacteria produces dental caries. Thus, caries is the most common bacterial infection in the human being. However, caries is of a multifactorial origin: genetical susceptibillity, bacterial origin, acidic environment and habits.
Why treating dental caries?
Caries can cause further destruction of tooth structure and tooth lose. Treating caries stops infection progression and teeth maintenance.
I have questions about conservative dentistry
Do you have questions about conservative dentistry treatments? This type of treatment is applied to prevent the appearance of cavities and other dental infections. They are preventive treatments, so it is advisable for the patient to see a specialist when the first symptoms appear. It is also advisable to visit your dentist at least once a year for a complete check-up. Below are the most frequently asked questions about this specialty at Clínica Dental Nart.
Oral hygiene is necessary to prevent dental caries and consists of proper toothbrushing technique, at least twice a day, preferably after every meal and at bedtime, flossing once a day and rinsing with fluoride or other antiseptics if required.
In addition, a thorough examination of the oral cavity and thorough oral cleaning and regular check-ups are important.
It is also important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet avoiding sticky foods, sugary drinks or constant sucking on sweets.
If the tooth is not treated, the infection can reach the dental pulp and subsequently inflame the area surrounding the apex (end of the root of the tooth), producing apical periodontitis, which can lead to an abscess, cellulitis or even a phlegmon, and can cause all or some stages of the corresponding pain.When tooth decay has spread to the pulp, endodontics (treatment of the root canals) must be carried out and the tooth reconstructed, possibly with a crown, so that if we arrive in time to treat the caries, we will avoid a possible endodontics or extraction in the event that the tooth cannot be restored.
Essentially bacteria produces dental caries. Thus, caries is the most common bacterial infection in the human being. However, caries is of a multifactorial origin: genetical susceptibillity, bacterial origin, acidic environment and habits.
Dental caries is associated with poor oral hygiene, such as errors in brushing techniques and lack of flossing, a predisposing genetic aetiology, the influence of saliva pH in relation to caries, and a diet rich in sugars.
The interaction between the host (the colonising bacteria), the substrate (the tooth) and the time factor is very important for the appearance and development of caries.
Dental caries is a multifactorial disease characterised by the destruction of the hard tissues of the tooth as a result of demineralisation caused by acids generated by bacterial plaque from food debris.
