Dental Caries: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Dental caries is the most prevalent tooth disease worldwide. Even after decades of research, increased oral health awareness, and technological advancements in the field of dentistry–it remains a major public health problem.
When left untreated, dental caries can lead to intense pain, infection or abscess, and tooth loss. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to prevent cavities even with improved oral hygiene.
The good news is that most dentists can easily treat tooth decay using fillings, crowns, and root canals. Unfortunately, your tooth will have to be extracted if the damage is too severe or it becomes loose, or infected.
What is Dental Caries?
Dental caries or tooth decay is the destruction of the enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of the tooth. This condition can affect children, teens, and adults alike. You are more likely to get dental caries when you drink or eat foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as cakes, soda, dried fruits, candies, and bread.
Dental plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that clings to the teeth, is formed when bacteria in your mouth mix with sugar or starch in your food. In order to survive, bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid as a waste product.
These acids are harmful to the teeth because they erode the enamel. Since plaque is sticky, acids are constantly in contact with your teeth. Over time, it can dissolve the enamel and create holes called cavities.
Good oral health helps prevent dental caries and gum disease. But what is dental caries and how does it affect your quality of life? Dental caries treatment in Turkey follows a treatment plan designed by the most qualified professionals and is customized for each patient. For more help and advice about tooth decay or cavities, contact our team of experts at HLC Dental.
Symptoms of Dental Caries
There may be no symptoms at the beginning. Cavities are usually discovered during a routine dental check-up. In the early stage of decay, your dentist may see a white spot on the affected tooth, which is a sign of mineral loss (demineralization). As tooth decay progresses, you may experience the following symptoms.
Tooth sensitivity
Toothache
Bad breath
Tooth stains
Black or brown holes on the tooth
Black or brown holes on the tooth
Sharp pain when biting down
Who is at Risk for Dental Caries?
People of all ages can get cavities, but very young children and older adults are more susceptible. Below are the risk factors that contribute to tooth decay.
Poor oral hygiene
Sticky or sugary food and drinks
Dry mouth
Heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Worn out dental fillings
Inadequate fluoride
Smoking
Receding gums
Dental Caries Treatment
Fluoride therapy
Fluoride inhibits the demineralization of dental crystal structures in the tooth and promotes remineralization. The remineralized tooth is resistant to acid attack, thus stopping the progression of tooth decay. Fluoride also inhibits the activity of bacterial enzymes. Fluoride treatment can be in the form of toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professionally applied preparations such as gels and varnishes.
Fillings
Dental fillings are the most common method of treating cavities. The dentist first removes the decay and drills into the cavity to accommodate the filling material. The problem with this method is that the cavities underneath can still progress and grow bigger until the tooth is lost.
Crowns
If a large portion of the tooth is destroyed, your dentist may suggest a crown. Zirconia crowns, although more expensive than composite crowns, are resistant to acid and bacteria and can protect your teeth from further decay. Note that the tooth underneath can still harbor bacteria and develop plaque if not properly maintained.
Root Canals
It is performed when a tooth is severely decayed that the damage has reached the soft tissue center of the tooth called the pulp, causing it to die. Dead pulp is removed through a root canal procedure and the tooth is sealed to prevent reinfection.
Extraction
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved and a root canal isn’t possible. Your dentist will have to pull or extract the decayed tooth and replace it with an implant or dentures. A dental implant is superior to other restorations because it functions like a natural tooth and prevents jaw bone deterioration.
Preventing Dental Caries
Brush twice a day for at least two minutes
Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months
Use fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Limit intake of sticky foods and sugary drinks
Chew sugar-free gum after a meal
Visit your dentist regularly
Cost of Dental Caries Treatment
There are different ways of treating tooth decay. The cost of your treatment will depend on several factors, such as the number of cavities you have, the type of procedure you need, and the cost of dental care in your location. Below are the average costs for common dental procedures used in treating dental caries.
Direct fillings: $100 to $500 per tooth
Crowns: $800 to $3000 per crown
Root Canals: $600 to $1400 per tooth
Tooth Extractions: $80 to $200, $800 to $4000 for impacted tooth
Dental Caries Treatment in Turkey
Turkey is one of the best destinations for dental care. Patients around the world can enjoy top-notch services at reasonable prices. At HLC dental, we have an empowered team of dentists that are trained to manage even the most complicated cases of tooth decay.
You can easily book an appointment by filling the contact form on our website. Alternatively, you may call us directly at this number: +905379231610 . If you want a safe, satisfying, and stress-free dental treatment experience, please contact us today.
Dental Caries FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people with cavities experience tooth sensitivity or pain. As the cavity starts to form, you may not notice it at first. But when bacteria erode the protective covering of your tooth called the enamel, the nerves underneath are exposed and cause tooth sensitivity. When you see dark spots on your tooth, these can be a sign of cavities.
It is possible to reverse tooth decay during the early demineralization stage, which occurs when the tooth’s enamel starts to lose its mineral content. You can strengthen and repair your tooth through a process called remineralization. The saliva in your mouth neutralizes acids from bacteria and provides calcium and phosphate ions to your teeth. Good oral hygiene and fluoride treatment promote remineralization.
Once the decay reaches the inner layer of your tooth and forms a cavity, the process is irreversible. When left untreated, the bacteria in your teeth will proliferate, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
A regular check-up with your dentist will help spot cavities in the early stages, so they can be managed before they get worse. Your oral health dictates how often you should visit your dentist. Ideally, you should go at least once or twice a year for check-ups and cleaning. If you are susceptible to dental caries or gum disease, your dentist will recommend having your teeth checked more often.
