The dental caries it is a multifactorial infectious disease. It depends on the host, the microorganisms, the diet and the time. The main characteristic of this disease is the destruction of dental tissues, due to the action of acids from bacteria on dental plaque.
Caries disease develops as an episodic and clinical process. In it there is a balance between demineralization and remineralization of tooth enamel. In the presence of an imbalance, the demineralization phase of the hard tissue is favored, being caused by the acids produced by cariogenic bacteria.
Caries can be classified, according to Black, into 5 types:
- Class I: it is on the occlusal surface of the tooth, where it is chewed.
- Class II: it is located in the interproximal area of the posterior teeth (molars and premolars). It includes the occlusal surface and the proximal surface, the surface between the teeth.
- Class III: it is located in the interproximal area of the anterior sector (the canines and incisors) without affecting the incisal edge, where it is cut.
- Class IV: this type is located in the interproximal area of the anterior teeth and in this class there is involvement of the incisal edge.
- Class V: It is located on the cervical surface of the teeth, on the neck of the tooth.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Dental caries does not usually have symptoms, that is, when there is a cavity in a tooth, the patient does not have discomfort or any type of pain. Only in more advanced stages can the patient present symptoms.
Usually one of the first symptoms of tooth decay is a sharp pain, like sensitivity in taking cold foods and drinks. If the injury progresses, the pain becomes more intense and constant.
Sometimes, food between the teeth when there is cavities can cause discomfort in that particular area so it is important to floss to prevent cavities in these areas as well.
If the caries has reached the pulp, colloquially known as the dental nerve, the pain is intense and can even be radiated to other neighboring areas. In addition, the patient may have symptoms when chewing since the infection has reached the periapic area and the periodontal ligament is inflamed.
What treatments can be carried out for dental caries?
Despite the fact that in the dental clinics in Plymouth and worldwide, there is a notable decreased levels of tooth decay, compared to presence of cavities of the last 30 years, tooth decay remains the rationale for patients attending dentists in Plymouth and all over the world.
To control tooth decay, experts suggest that dentists should approach the disease as an ongoing process to improve prevention.
Because there are many people suffering from tooth decay, being a problem that dentists We know how to solve it, this pathology deserves more attention and therefore, the population should receive more information, about the existing measures, to avoid tooth decay.
Before carrying out any treatment, it is very important to take a good medical history. In addition, a detailed and concise examination along with relevant complementary tests, such as x-rays and dental vitality tests. In this way, a certain diagnosis is made and any erroneous treatment that may be carried out is eliminated.
The treatment par excellence of dental caries is the realization of an obturation to be able to eliminate the caries, if it only affects the enamel tissue or dentin. Obturation, also known as filling, is the removal of decayed tissue, cleaning of caries in the tooth and filling the cavity where the caries is occupied with a biocompatible material resistant to chewing forces.
Sometimes tooth decay only exists on a very small surface of the enamel and In these cases, the indicated treatment is to carry out periodic controls and fluoridation to be able to remineralize the enamel of the affected area..
If the caries is in an advanced stage and it has been diagnosed that there is a pulp involvementIn most cases, it will be advisable to perform a root canal to eliminate the carious infection that has already been established in the dental pulp.
From Smile Care Plymouth, we recommend visit the dentist at least once a year, even if there are no signs or symptoms and above all, educate children in this way, so that the visit dentists, it becomes a disease prevention visit, instead of treatments for diseases, which are already very advanced.
