Caries and Its Treatment at NB Dental
According to the World Health Organization, tooth caries is the most widespread disease globally, affecting more than 2 billion people. Despite such a scale, many patients turn to a dentist only after pain appears. However, do not let these statistics worry you - at “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic” we treat caries detected in time easily and painlessly.
Why Does Caries Develop and What Causes It?
Caries is a disease of the hard tissues of the tooth. Initially, it damages the enamel, that is, the outer and densest layer of the tooth. If the process is not stopped in time, the damage also spreads to the dentin located beneath the enamel, the tissues gradually break down and a cavity forms in the tooth.
Bacteria naturally present in the oral cavity process sugars obtained from food and release acid, which draws minerals out of the enamel and damages its protective layer. Saliva partially balances this process and helps restore the lost minerals. However, if acid acts on the tooth often or for a long time, the enamel no longer has time to recover and caries develops.
The risk of developing caries is increased by the following factors:
- frequent consumption of sweet food and sugar-containing drinks;
- accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth;
- reduced saliva secretion;
- some diseases and medications that change the natural balance of bacteria in the oral cavity;
- hereditary factors and natural characteristics of the enamel.
How Do the Symptoms of Caries Change as the Disease Develops?
Caries develops gradually, and its symptoms also change depending on the complexity of the damage.
Initially, a white, dull spot may appear on the enamel, which is a sign of a decrease in minerals on the tooth surface. At this time, a cavity has not yet formed in the tooth and, as a rule, it is characterized neither by pain nor by any other unpleasant sensation. Such a small change is often noticed only by a dentist, so a regular check-up of the oral cavity within therapeutic dentistry is recommended.
If the development of the disease is not stopped at this stage, the enamel is gradually damaged and a dark spot appears on it. The tooth may become sensitive to cold, hot or sweet food.
As it progresses, the damage reaches the dentin located beneath the enamel. Dentin is a softer tissue than enamel, so it is damaged more easily and a cavity forms in the tooth. Food debris often gets stuck in it, and the sensitivity of the tooth becomes even stronger. To determine the depth of the damage, dental diagnostics is carried out.
At the stage of deep caries, the damage spreads close to the pulp. Since the pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, the pain may intensify and last longer, especially when eating cold or hot food and when chewing.
Without timely treatment, pulpitis may develop, which is characterized by very severe pain, especially at night. If the inflammation also spreads to the tissue around the root of the tooth, periodontitis forms. However, the situation is not hopeless even at this stage: with modern endodontic treatment, it is possible to save the tooth; the main thing is not to postpone your visit to the doctor any longer.
How to Prevent Caries?
To protect your teeth from caries, the dentists of “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic” share several tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste and devote about 2 minutes to this process. Change your toothbrush once every 3 or 4 months, and if it wears out earlier, replace it with a new one;
- Follow the correct technique of brushing your teeth. Hold the toothbrush at an angle of about 45° at the border of the tooth and the gum. Clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth with light, circular movements. Avoid strong horizontal movements, as you may damage the enamel and gums;
- Clean the spaces between your teeth every day with special floss or an interdental brush. These tools remove plaque from places that an ordinary toothbrush cannot reach well;
- Reduce the amount and frequency of sweets. It is better to eat treats together with main meals rather than several times during the day, as frequent contact with sugar damages the enamel;
- Limit sweet/acidic drinks and use a straw when drinking them so that the liquid touches the teeth less. Do not hold the drink in your mouth for a long time, and then rinse with water;
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic food or drinks. Acid temporarily softens the enamel, and brushing right away may damage it. It is better to wait about 30 minutes;
- Along with daily care, undergo professional cleaning and schedule a visit to the dentist once every 6 months. During a regular check-up, caries may be detected at a stage when the enamel is only slightly damaged and the lost minerals are restored by professional fluoridation.
If you are not sure which toothpaste, toothbrush or dental floss to choose, the dentists of “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic” will assess the condition of your oral cavity, help you choose the necessary products and explain how to care for your teeth every day.
How Do Dentists Treat Caries?
The professional dentists of our clinic assess the condition of the tooth and the depth of the damage by examining the oral cavity and, if necessary, also carry out a diagnostic examination. Based on the results obtained, they choose the treatment method and draw up a plan.
After that, the dentist moves directly to the treatment of the tooth. The process includes:
- removal of the damaged tissue and preparation of the tooth for filling;
- filling the cavity and restoring the natural shape of the tooth, taking into account the cusps, fissures and grooves. As a result, the tooth looks natural and performs the chewing function;
- if necessary, the use of a microscope so that the dentist can see even small details and preserve healthy tissue as much as possible.
If caries has spread to the inner tissues of the tooth, root canal treatment may also become necessary. The endodontic procedure is also carried out at “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic”, so patients go through all stages of treatment in one place.
In the 21st century, dental interventions are completely painless; however, if a visit to the dentist still worries you, tell the doctor about it in advance. They will adapt the pace of the procedure to your sensations and carefully observe how you feel.
At “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic” we have been caring for patients since 2010. The clinic's areas include therapeutic and aesthetic dentistry, orthodontics and implantology. These many years of experience have shown us that, along with high-quality treatment, a calm and attentive environment is also very important for the patient. That is why the entire clinic team strives to make the visit go calmly and without unnecessary tension. You will receive a comprehensive answer to any question from them, and you will discuss each stage of treatment with the doctor in advance.
If you notice any change in your tooth, do not wait for pain - schedule a visit to “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic”, where a team of professionals will take care of your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is caries treatment painful?
Caries removal is carried out under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Slight discomfort may appear only at the moment of numbing, and even that is momentary. In the case of early caries, anesthesia is often not needed at all, since there are no nerve endings in the enamel.
How long does caries treatment take?
As a rule, a tooth filling is completed in one visit, while the duration depends on the extent of the damage. If the disease has reached the pulp and root canal treatment has become necessary, the procedure may be carried out in several visits. The dentist draws up an exact plan after consultation and diagnostics.
Can caries go away on its own?
If caries has already formed a cavity, the tooth can no longer recover on its own. In this case, removal of the damaged tissue and its restoration is necessary. Stopping the process is possible only at the initial, white spot stage, through the restoration of minerals and improvement of hygiene. Only a dentist can determine at which stage the damage is.
Can tooth extraction become necessary because of caries?
If the tooth is so damaged that it can no longer be preserved, dental surgery may become necessary. The doctor determines the need for tooth extraction after an examination and the relevant tests.
Why do patients choose “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic”?
The dental clinic has existed for many years and, with two branches in Tbilisi, serves both adults and children.
The clinic uses modern digital technologies and high-quality materials. The team of experienced doctors assesses each case individually and draws up a treatment plan according to the condition of the tooth.
At “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic” attention is paid not only to the quality of treatment, but also to the patient's experience. The doctors discuss each stage of the procedure in advance, answer questions and strive to make the visit take place in a calm and comfortable environment.
What does the price of caries treatment depend on?
The price of caries treatment depends on the condition of the tooth. The cost is affected by the depth of the damage and also by whether root canal treatment of the tooth is necessary. The doctor will tell you the exact price after consultation and diagnostics. At the same consultation, you can clarify how much braces, teeth whitening, professional cleaning or implantation cost.
The clinic offers several payment options. You can pay the amount in parts with the service or use installments from partner banks.
Is children's caries treatment possible at “NB Dental - Nino Beridze Clinic”?
Caries is common in children, and they are served by the NB Dental KIDS branch (1 Davit Tavkhelidze St.), where pediatric dentists also treat damage to baby teeth.
How to book a consultation?
To schedule a consultation, contact us at: (032 2) 32 22 27 or write to us by email: info@nbdental.ge.
The clinic is located in Saburtalo (1a Davit Tavkhelidze St.) and works from Monday to Saturday inclusive, from 09:30 to 20:00.