What is decay?
Tooth decay is a common problem when acids, created by bacteria, in your mouth dissolves the outer layer of your teeth. Tooth decay may not cause any symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage.
Do I have tooth decay?
Tooth decay may not cause any symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. As the problem develops, symptoms of tooth decay can include:
– toothache
– tooth sensitivity (you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet)
– grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth
– bad breath
– an unpleasant taste in your mouth
If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to further problems such as a cavities (holes in the teeth), gum disease, or dental abscesses (collections of pus at the end of the teeth or in the gums).
When to see your dentist
A Toothache is a warning that something is wrong and that you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. If you ignore the problem it may get worse, and you could end up losing a tooth.
Even if you don’t have any noticeable problems with your teeth, it is still important to have regular dental check-ups so your dentist can check for early signs of decay indegenerique.be. Tooth decay is much easier to treat in its early stages. For children, we offer fissure sealants – this is a tooth-coloured protective layer applied to the biting surface of the teeth that help protect the vulnerable fissures on the molars and thus can help prevent decay.
Prevention is always better than cure
The best way to avoid tooth decay is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
To do this, you should:
– visit the dentist every 6 months and get X-ray done for regular monitoring of tooth decay
– brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, spending at least two minutes each time
– use floss or an interdental toothbrush at least once a day to clean between your teeth and under the gum line
– cut down on sugary and starchy food and drinks, particularly between meals or within an hour of going to bed
When cure is the only solution
If there is a small or medium sized cavity, then fillings can be done. If there is a larger cavity, then a large white filling or a porcelain inlay should be considered. Finally, if the decay is really deep and has reached the nerve, then root canal treatment is required. This intricate treatment is comfortable once the area has been numbed up, but requires increased time and can be expensive. It is recommended to place a crown over a root filled tooth to protect it in the long-term.
What are the advantages of tooth coloured (white) fillings?
White fillings are bonded to the tooth substance. They are strong and long lasting. The fillings also look very natural just like your teeth.
What are the two types of tooth coloured filling?
Porcelain inlays or onlays are precision made porcelain fillings that are securely bonded to the teeth. They are the most cosmetic and strongest white fillings available. This is because porcelain is made from ceramic material, as opposed to conventional white fillings (composites) that are resin based. They are indicated for large cavities or badly broken down teeth. For small to medium sized cavities, composite fillings are ideal. We have many shades of filling materials to match your teeth perfectly. These fillings are bonded to the teeth using a special bonding resin. We use a blue light to set the filling hard instantly so you can eat immediately. Careful attention is paid to shaping and polishing the restorations to produce an ideal and smooth finish.
At Pure NZ Dental, we provide comfortable dental care in a cozy, relaxed and unique atmosphere. Our team is highly professional, friendly and caring. Using great technologies and good quality dental materials, our goal is to provide healthy, strong and long-lasting restorations. This will avoid repeat dentistry and save you money in the long run.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
