Therapies for Tooth Preservation

The health of our teeth fundamentally influences our quality of life. Many people may find themselves needing to visit a dentist due to sudden tooth pain. At such times, many search for the quickest solution, such as tooth extraction. However, this is not always the best option, as the dentist’s expertise may provide opportunities to save the tooth in many cases. Modern dentistry offers a wide range of treatment methods aimed at restoring and preserving teeth.

Regular Check-ups

It is important to emphasize that regular dental check-ups are recommended to maintain the health of our teeth. During these examinations, the specialist can detect problems in time, thus avoiding more serious interventions. Dentists decide whether to apply a filling, crown, or other treatment methods based on the assessment of the teeth’s condition. In the following chapters, we will present the most common dental procedures in more detail that can help repair damaged teeth.

Fillings

Tooth filling is the most common dental treatment, during which decayed tooth material is removed, and various materials are applied to the cavity to restore the tooth. In modern dentistry, composite fillings have become popular as they offer an aesthetically pleasing solution. These fillings are made to match the color of the tooth, making them virtually unnoticeable.

Before making the filling, the dentist first removes the infected parts, then places a putty-like material into the cavity. Following this, a special blue light is used to harden the filling. At the end of the treatment, the dentist checks whether the filling fits properly and fine-tunes the surface if necessary. After the filling is completed, patients can immediately continue their meals, but if anesthesia was used, it is advisable to wait for the effect to wear off.

During regular check-ups, it is important to monitor the condition of our old fillings, as over time the edges of the fillings can wear down, and secondary decay may develop. Based on the dentist’s recommendation, it may be necessary to replace the filling.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a procedure that becomes necessary when the dental pulp becomes inflamed. This inflammation can lead to painful symptoms, such as throbbing pain, which often worsens at night. During root canal treatment, the dentist applies local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.

During the treatment, the dentist first opens the tooth to access the root canals. After removing the inflamed tissues, the canals are disinfected, and a medicated root filling is placed in their place. Following this, a temporary filling material is used to protect the crown portion of the tooth. The goal of root canal treatment is to eliminate pain and prevent further infections.

The treatment can consist of several steps, and in the end, the crown portion of the tooth is provided with a permanent filling material. This process ensures that the tooth remains functional and aesthetic in the long term, even if the dental pulp is no longer alive.

Post

When a significant portion of the tooth is missing, and creating a filling or crown is difficult, the dentist may suggest using a post. This solution can be particularly useful after root canal treatment when the structure of the tooth is no longer strong enough to stand alone.

To implant the post, the dentist first drills back the top of the root filling to make space for the post. Then, the post is glued to the root, which can be prefabricated or cast metal. The selected material is prepared in the dental laboratory, and after insertion, the dentist can continue building the tooth with a filling or crown.

This intervention allows the tooth to become more stable and preserve its function in the long term. The post is an important part of the tooth restoration, helping the patient regain their chewing ability.

Inlay, Onlay, Overlay

Inlay, onlay, and overlay are dental restorations designed to restore teeth where traditional fillings are not sufficient. These materials can be made from various substances, such as composite, ceramic, or gold, and allow for the reinforcement and aesthetic restoration of teeth.

An inlay replaces the internal part of the tooth, while an onlay also restores the cusp of the tooth. An overlay, on the other hand, counts as a partial crown, which is considered when the crown portion of the tooth is significantly deficient. These solutions can be particularly useful when the condition of the teeth does not allow for traditional fillings.

During the treatment, the dentist first takes an impression of the affected tooth, and then the dental technician prepares the appropriate restoration. Once the restoration is ready, the dentist tries it in and secures it in place with adhesive. These restorations not only restore the function of the teeth but also contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the oral cavity, ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of the patients.