Secondary caries / Recurrent caries

SECONDARY CARIES 

Secondary caries, otherwise known as recurrent caries (cavities) is tooth decay occurring underneath/surrounding existing dental restorations such as dental fillings, crowns or onlays. 

CAUSES :-

               These recurrent cavities can be a result of poor oral hygiene habits, or can be caused by a microscopic access or hole in the dental restoration, allowing acids and bacteria to creep in. And unfortunately, these microscopic pathways cannot be cleaned using standard oral hygiene practices because they are so tiny and inaccessible.The cariogenic bacteria in the saliva will grow when the environment of micro cracks is appropriate, thereby producing secondary caries.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS :

1.Blackish discolouration of tooth around the filling 

              Amalgam(silver) filling                              Secondary caries

             

         Composite (tooth coloured) filling                 Secondary caries  

              

   

2.Sensitivity                                                                   3.Pain

                                                                                   

              

4.Broken filling/tooth fragment                                5.Food lodgement

                 

TREATMENT:

1.RE-RESTORATION (Re-filling):- 

Once a secondary cavity has been detected via radiographic (X-ray) evidence, or with a dental explorer (probe), laser or visual examination, then it’s crucial to proceed with treatment before the problem progresses even further.

The secondary tooth decay must be removed and the current failed filling or restoration must be replaced.

2.ROOT CANAL TREATMENT :-

       Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent re-infection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.

PREVENTION:-

1.Simply brushing twice daily (for two full minutes), as well as flossing once daily will help to keep your smile sufficiently clean, reducing your risk of secondary (and regular) tooth decay.

2. Regular check up with your dentist twice a year, or when required. 

3.This visit will involve a thorough cleaning (scaling) from the hygienist to remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, as well as a check-up/examination by the dentist to ensure that your current filling(s)/restorations and everything else are in great shape.

  

                      

      Rootz Dental Care and Implant Center, 

                                            No:2/2, First Floor, Sakthi Nagar,

                                            Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thuraipakkam,

                                            Chennai - 600 097,

                                            Phone :- 9786688755,044-49504825

                                                     Email :- rootzdentalcare@gmail.com

Tooth colored fillings

COMPOSITE  FILLINGS

A composite filling is a tooth-colored material used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

BEFORE AND AFTER COMPOSITE BUILDUP

Composite placement:

Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, typically using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.

LIGHT CURING

Advantages of composites:

Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites, since dentists can blend shades to create a color nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

Disadvantages of composites:

After receiving a composite, a patient may experience postoperative sensitivity. Also, the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. The dentist can put a clear plastic coating over the composite to prevent the color from changing if a patient is particularly concerned about tooth color. 

CONCLUSION:

Composites have acquired a prominent place among the filling materials. their considerable aesthetic possibilities give rise to a variety of therapeutic indications.The use of a proven enamel and dentin bonding system, combined with accurate layering techniques, will enable the dentist to obtain excellent composite restorations while preserving tooth structure.

Rootz Dental Care and Implant Center has specialists with proven expertise in Conservative and Endodontic dentistry. For more information regarding treatments contact us today.

                                             

                                                No:2/2, First Floor, Sakthi Nagar,

                                                Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thuraipakkam,

                                                Chennai - 600 097,

                                                Phone :- 9786688755,044-49504825

                                                          Email :- rootzdentalcare@gmail.com