Dentistry
What is Dentistry?
Dentistry is the area of dental medicine that treats lesions or changes in dental tissue using restorations, namely caries lesions, wear or fracture lesions, changes in dental morphology and colour. It helps achieving a harmonized and aesthetic smile, and the structure, function, and oral health through simple procedures that are increasingly more aesthetic and less invasive.
Health
Caries lesions are caused by bacteria and are prone to develop if left untreated. The evolution of caries lesions towards the innermost tissues of the tooth, such as the dental pulp, can lead to episodes of intense pain and possibly to the development of abscesses and need for endodontic treatment (root canal treatment). In more complex cases there may be a need to resort to pharmacological treatments with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication, and painkillers.
The progression of the lesion can also weaken the tooth structure, increasing the risk of tooth fractures or eventual tooth loss.
Aesthetics
Nowadays, dentistry uses materials that are more and more aesthetic, allowing the restoration of the destroyed area to be almost unnoticeable. Besides this, dentistry can also improve, through simple procedures, small alterations in dental structure, cervical wear (next to the gum), and small spaces between the teeth that compromise the aesthetics and harmony of the smile.
Structure
Detecting caries lesions at an early stage is difficult and usually only done in a dental appointment through clinical and radiographic examinations. The progression of these lesions can trigger changes that are more noticeable to the patient, such as structural compromise of the tooth surface (cavities), changes in colour, teeth more sensitive, and in the case of interproximal caries (between the teeth) difficulty in manipulating dental floss, which can get stuck or “shred”.
Step by step
The predictability and success of any treatment begins with a correct diagnosis, which means an initial accurate clinical and radiographic evaluation should be performed to identify the causes of the problem, the extent of the lesions to be restored, and the selection of the most appropriate treatment.
If a dental treatment is to be performed, the following steps are usually followed:
Evaluation of the dental structures to be restored and selection of the indicated materials, namely regarding the natural colouring of the tooth to be restored;
Previous anesthesia;
Isolation of the operative field, ideally using a rubber dam; Preparation of the tooth surface and controlled removal of the tissues to be restored;
Placement of aesthetic composite resins to replace lost tooth structures;
Placement of aesthetic composite resins to replace lost tooth structures;
Checking the occlusion (chewing) and polishing the restoration.
Clinical Cases of Dentistry
Responsible team
Dr. Daniela Paiva
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental caries?
Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that consists of the destruction of tooth tissue by the action of acids produced by bacteria. The action of these bacteria is enhanced by the presence of food debris, namely sugars; therefore, prevention involves proper oral hygiene, reducing the intake of sugary foods, using products with fluoride and, in some cases, applying dental sealants to avoid caries in more retentive areas of the teeth.
If i have a cavity, why doesn't my tooth hurt?
The process of a caries lesion begins on the surface of the tooth and evolves along the dental structures. In enamel, the presence of these lesions is asymptomatic, while in dentin there may be occasional sensitivity since some nerve endings can already be found. As soon as the dental pulp is involved, episodes of intense pain are more likely. The earlier the clinical intervention, the less tooth structure will be compromised and the more conservative the indicated treatment will be. Hence the importance of periodic check-ups.
Can i have a cavity in a tooth that has already been restored?
Yes. The action of bacteria can affect another surface area of the same tooth or compromise the transition zone between the restored area and the tooth, triggering a caries lesion that will require a new intervention and the replacement of the previous restoration.
How long does a restoration last?
The durability of restorations is dependent on numerous factors, both clinical and of the patient’s responsibility. Currently, with the evolution of materials and techniques that we have at our disposal, the biocompatibility, strength, and therefore the durability of a restoration are increasing. However, it is important to understand that repeated chewing movements and the action of food can compromise the microstructure of materials, and spotting these changes is the only way to perform more conservative and preventive maintenance procedures. Oral hygiene care and regular visits to the dentist play a key role in the success of these treatments.
Why do i have sensitivity to cold?
The increased response to thermal stimuli is related to the exposure of the tooth nerve endings due to multiple factors. The most common causes are the destruction of dental tissues by caries, gum recession or irregular positioning of the teeth, wear of the tooth surface by increased incident forces or by the chemical action of certain foods. The correct identification of the cause(s) will determine the most appropriate treatment.
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