Frejus Medical & Dental Clinic
Dental caries
Dental caries is an infectious disease that can affect the teeth to a greater or lesser extent depending on the stage of decay. The enamel of the tooth is the first to be affected, as it covers the tooth; after it is destroyed, a cavity forms in the tooth and the decay spreads deeper.
If the caries is not treated, the hole will get bigger and the decay may reach the dentin (layer under the enamel). Pain starts to occur, especially with hot, cold or sweet foods. The decay can then spread to the pulp of the tooth and this is known as toothache. In the final stage, a dental abscess can occur when the bacteria attack the ligament, bone or gum.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is easily made by the dentist, as the cavity is often visible to the naked eye. The dentist asks questions about the pain and sensitivity of the teeth. An X-ray can confirm the presence of a cavity.
Causes
There are many causes of dental caries, but sugar, especially when consumed between meals, is the main culprit. For example, there is a link between soft drinks and tooth decay or between honey and tooth decay. But other factors such as snack consuming and poor tooth brushing are also implicated.
Complications
Caries can have serious consequences for teeth and general health. It can, for example, cause severe pain, abscesses sometimes can be accompanied by fever or swelling of the face, problems with chewing and eating, teeth breaking or falling out, infections, etc. Caries must therefore be treated as soon as possible.
Treatment of tooth decay
- Simple treatment of a cavity : Cleaning of the cavity, protective care, restoration of the shape
- The devitalization of the tooth : remove the pulp tissue and then disinfect the area, once the canals are perfectly ready, they are then blocked, the dentist will reconstruct the shape of the tooth in order to return it to its natural use.
- Dental crown : Do you have an already devitalised tooth ? Then it is likely that you will be offered a crown.
