Causes of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is caused by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. When you consume foods or drinks containing sugar and starches, the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth use them to produce acids. Over time, these acids dissolve and damage tooth enamel, leading to cavities. The main bacteria responsible for tooth decay are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. They thrive on sugar and starches found in foods like candy, cookies, soda, fruit juices, dried fruit, chips and starchy vegetables. Frequent snacking and sippping sugary drinks throughout the day increases the risk of cavities as it provides a continuous supply of food for the bacteria. Saliva helps neutralize the acids and rinse food particles out of your mouth, but it may not be enough when sugar intake is excessive or very frequent.

Diagnosis and Dental Caries Treatment Options

If you notice white or brown spots on your teeth or are experiencing tooth sensitivity, it's a good idea to visit your dentist for an examination. Your dentist will look for signs of decay using intraoral cameras, dental mirrors and probes. They may also take X-rays to detect cavities below the enamel surface that can't be seen visually. Once tooth decay is confirmed, your dentist will discuss treatment options based on the extent of damage. For minor cavities that have just started penetrating the outer enamel layer, your dentist may recommend preventive treatments like fluoride therapy or remineralizing therapy to halt or reverse the decay process. For deeper cavities that have reached the inner layers of the tooth, dental fillings are usually necessary. Other treatment options include dental crowns, root canals, or tooth extractions in severe cases of decay.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are the most common Dental Caries Treatment for cavities affecting the inner layers of the tooth. During a filling procedure, your dentist will first numb the tooth using local anesthesia. They will then carefully remove any decayed portion of the tooth using small drills, burrs or lasers. Next, they will clean and reshape the cavity before filling it. Common filling materials used include amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomers. Amalgams contain mercury, silver, tin and other metals. They have been used for over 150 years but some people have concerns over mercury exposure. Composite resins closely match the color of natural tooth structure and rarely cause allergic reactions but may wear down faster over time. Glass ionomers bond chemically to tooth structure and slowly release fluoride but are more likely to stain. Your dentist will recommend the ideal material based on the location and size of the cavity. After placing the filling material, it is polished and contoured to restore the tooth to its original shape. Fillings generally last several years but may need replacement over time if the tooth undergoes more decay.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are recommended when a large portion of the tooth structure is damaged due to decay or injury. During a crown procedure, your tooth is first prepared by carefully shaving down the damaged area to allow for the crown. An impression is then taken and sent to a dental lab, where a crown made of porcelain or other materials will be fabricated to precisely fit over the prepared tooth. When the crown arrives back at the dental office after 1-2 weeks, it is carefully placed over the tooth and permanently cemented into place. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure. They can restore a damaged tooth to its original shape, size, alignment and function. Crowns are commonly used to cover dental fillings, implants, or to increase the strength of teeth that have undergone root canals. They typically last 10-15 years with proper care.

Root Canals for Dental Caries Treatment

When a dental cavity penetrates deep inside the tooth and infects the dental pulp inside the root canal system, a root canal treatment may be needed to save the tooth. During a root canal procedure, your dentist will anesthetize the tooth and make a small opening through the chewing surface to gain access to the infected pulp. They will then gently remove all diseased pulp tissue from the narrow root canals using specialized endodontic instruments like files, broaches and irrigants. The canals are then carefully cleaned, shaped and sealed with gutta percha points and sealer materials. Finally, the tooth is temporarily restored with a filling until a final restoration like a crown can be placed. Root canals aim to retain teeth that would otherwise need extraction by eliminating the source of infection and inflammation. Post treatment, the tooth remains intact, supported and functioning. Success rates for root canals are over 90% when performed by a specialist endodontist.

Tooth Extractions

Teeth that are fractured, severely decayed or lost extensive tooth structure may need to be extracted if the damage cannot be restored. During a tooth extraction, your dentist will first numb the injection site using local anesthesia. They will then gently loosen and elevate the tooth from its socket using dental forceps. Sometimes a surgical procedure is required for impacted teeth that aren't fully erupted. The empty socket will be cleaned after extraction and sutured if needed. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent postoperative infection. Removing badly damaged or infected teeth helps relieve pain and prevents bacteria from spreading to other parts of the mouth and body. After extraction, your dentist can discuss options like dental implants, bridges or dentures to restore function and aesthetics depending on the location and number of teeth missing. Extractions are generally a last resort as retaining natural teeth when possible is preferable.

Preventing Tooth Decay with Dental Caries Treatment

The best approach is to prevent tooth decay from occurring in the first place through proper oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Brushing at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing daily removes dental plaque where bacteria reside. Regular cleanings with your dentist every 6 months professionally remove any remaining plaque and tartar deposits. Using an antiseptic mouthwash and rinsing with water after meals also helps counter the effects of acid production. Limiting consumption of sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only and choosing healthier snacks reduces the frequency and severity of acid attacks on tooth enamel.

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