Tooth decay is one of our patients’ most common complaints, and if left can lead to a range of dental problems from cavities to requiring a root canal or extraction.
Tooth decay is created with the build-up of plaque and tartar which forms over time due to diet and poor oral hygiene. Sugars, starches and sticky foods collect between the teeth and around the gum line and convert into acids that damage the enamel and deritine of the teeth, causing discolouration, damage and cavities.
Soft drinks, lemons and some fruits are strong acids and these cause dental erosion. ie removing calcium and hence stripping agers off the outside exposed surface of the tooth. the weaker acids produced by dentalplaque feasting on sugars, slowly leaves the calcium out of the deeper layers of the tooth hollowing out the mineral content and progressively weakening the tooth untill the surface breaks or caves in forming the more obvious physical cavity that many of us pay attention to. Most cavities will hence occur in difficult to clean areas of your mouth like the pits and fissures on the biting surface or between the teeth or other difficult to reach area. By the time the physical cavity has become noticed by you damage is often great abd the teeth are compromiced and large fillingds that repair a weaken tooth more prone to fractures or root canal theropy are more extensive restoratiove work like crowns and bridges may become necessary.
The secret lies in early intervention and preferably early detection and prevention.
Detecting Tooth Decay
While you may come to us with a tooth ache or sensitivity, dental decay is normally identified as part of a regular dental check-up. With early detection, decay can often be stopped with a minimum of dental intervention.
At The Dentist at Burwood we use the very latest technology and dentistry techniques to accurately diagnose and identify dental decay. As well as having modern xray and intraoral cameras in our comfortable dental clinic, we also use laser decay detection of decay using the most up-to-date Diagnodent equipment for your peace of mind.
Treating Tooth Decay
As with all oral hygiene, prevention is better than the cure.
Decay can almost always be controlled with regular flossing and brushing and by avoiding sugary or acidic foods. together with regular checkups and cleans at your dentist, this forms the basis for healthy mouth.
When decay has already occurred and cavities have formed, your dentist may recommend a range of procedures.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are natural-coloured and cost effective solutions to most minor cavities.
Learn more about composite fillings.
Root Canals
For more serious damage caused by decay where the tooth is extensively damaged and the pulp has become infected, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy in conjunction with a dental crown.
Learn more about root canal therapy.
Learn more about dental crowns.
Implant Dentistry
In extreme cases where the tooth is beyond repair, it may be necessary to extract the damaged tooth and insert a dental implant in conjunction with a dental crown.