A hole in your tooth? No need to worry

What is tooth decay and how does it develop?

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental health challenges and affects people of all ages, from children with their first milk teeth to adults. It is a gradual process in which caries bacteria attack the tooth surface and attack the enamel and underlying dentin by producing acids. These acids are produced when bacteria in our mouth process food residues, especially sugar and starch. Without proper dental care and regular interdental cleaning, this process can lead to a cavity developing in the tooth, which can cause not only aesthetic concerns but also serious toothache.

The role of the dental practice in caries treatment

There are various treatment methods available in the dental practice to combat tooth decay and restore the integrity of the affected tooth. One of these methods is the use of inlays, which provide a long-lasting solution for repairing cavities. Inlays are made precisely to the dimensions of the cavity and fit perfectly into the damaged area, restoring the original shape and function of the tooth. Their durability makes them a favoured choice for long-term dental health maintenance.

Dentures and specialised treatments

In cases where decay has damaged a tooth to the point where a simple filling is not enough, tooth replacement options such as partial crowns or even a full crown may be considered. These options not only restore the function but also the aesthetics of the tooth.

For deeper damage that extends to the nerve of the tooth, root canal treatment or root canal therapy may be required. These procedures aim to remove the infected nerve tissue and disinfect and fill the tooth from the inside to prevent further spread of infection and preserve the tooth.

Variety of filling materials

Amalgam fillings: The traditional choice

Amalgam fillings, often referred to as "silver fillings", have long been known for their longevity and cost-effectiveness. They are particularly suitable for posterior teeth, where they work very well due to their robustness. Despite their effectiveness, many patients prefer to consider alternative materials due to their metallic colour and potential concerns about mercury content.

Plastic fillings: Aesthetics meets function

Plastic fillings, also known as composite fillings, are a popular choice for the front teeth as they are tooth-coloured and blend seamlessly with the natural smile. These fillings consist of a plastic resin and a filler of fine glass-ceramic particles that can be matched to the colour of the surrounding tooth structure.

Ceramic fillings: The premium option

For those who value aesthetics and longevity, ceramic fillings are an excellent choice. These fillings, often in the form of inlays or onlays, are produced in the dental laboratory and offer a custom-fit solution that is particularly resistant to abrasion and discolouration.

GlasIonomerZement: ideal for children and sensitive areas

GlassIonomerCement is a versatile filling material that is particularly suitable for children or for fillings below the gum line. It has the unique ability to release fluoride, which strengthens the surrounding enamel and prevents further decay.

Specialised filling techniques for individual needs

Inlay fillings: Precision and durability

Inlay fillings, such as inlays and ceramic inlays, offer a customised solution that is characterised by impressive accuracy of fit and durability. They are ideal for treating damage to the occlusal surface and are favoured by many patients for their high quality and aesthetics.

Plastic fillings and gold fillings: Natural shaping

Plastic fillings, including the visually appealing gold fillings, are placed and moulded directly into the tooth. They are an excellent option for restoring the natural shape of the tooth while providing a solid and durable solution.

Temporary fillings: Temporary protection during extensive procedures

In certain situations, especially when preparing for more extensive dental procedures, temporary fillings can be used. These offer short-term protection and preserve the tooth structure until the final treatment can be carried out.

The procedure of a dental filling

The treatment of the cavity is usually carried out under local anaesthetic to ensure that you do not feel any pain during the procedure. Your dentist will remove the decayed tissue and carefully clean the affected tooth before inserting the chosen filling material. With composite fillings, the material is applied in layers and hardened with a special light. Amalgam fillings and other filling materials are placed directly into the cavity and moulded to ensure optimal function and aesthetics.

The ALPINE WHITE Way

At ALPINE WHITE, we use advanced technologies to treat caries effectively and gently. Our method, the Caries Repair procedure, is at the forefront of these innovations and offers an excellent alternative to traditional fillings. Unlike the usual treatments that require drilling the tooth and inserting filling materials, our Caries Repair allows for a non-invasive treatment. This method regenerates the tooth and treats cavities without drilling holes or sealing the tooth with filling material, preserving the natural appearance of your tooth and achieving a more aesthetically pleasing result. However, only small holes can be treated and not caries that has been present for a long time.

At ALPINE WHITE, we also offer a caries risk analysis, which shows at an early stage whether you are at risk of caries. This analysis enables us to act in good time and create a customised treatment plan that is precisely tailored to your needs. Using modern techniques, we precisely measure which bacteria are present in your mouth to provide reliable results. This comprehensive check gives you a complete picture of your oral health and shows you how you can help maintain your dental health.

Our innovative approaches complement the traditional methods of caries treatment and offer you additional, gentler and more aesthetically pleasing solutions. The combination of preventive measures and our advanced treatment methods is the key to your long-term dental health and a radiant smile.

Prevention: the key to dental health

The best strategy in the fight against tooth decay is prevention. Thorough oral hygiene and dental care, which includes regular tooth brushing, cleaning between the teeth and professional dental cleanings at the dental practice or at our ALPINE WHITE Studio, is crucial to prevent caries bacteria from breeding grounds. For children in particular, it is important to start good dental care at an early age in order to keep milk teeth healthy and lay a foundation for lifelong dental health. Daily use of dental floss is also important to keep the gums healthy.

Conclusion

A hole in your tooth is no reason to panic. Thanks to advances in dentistry, there are now a variety of filling materials and methods that can not only restore the function of your tooth, but also deliver aesthetically pleasing results. Whether you need a discreet solution for a front tooth or a robust filling material for the back teeth, there is always an option to suit your needs. It is important that you do not hesitate to visit our studio at the first sign of tooth decay. After all, the earlier tooth decay is treated, the easier and gentler the dental treatment will be.