Basic dental treatment

Dental caries is an infectious disease caused by carious micro-organisms. It is characterised by decalcification of hard dental tissues and the putrefactive decay of its organic foundation. The main cause behind the formation of caries is dental plaque, which consists of residual food and bacteria that are deposited on the teeth after every meal. The bacteria contained in the plaque convert sugars found in food into acids, which in turn wash out minerals (calcium, phosphorus) from the enamel. This leads to the weakening and damaging of the enamel, which enables further development of dental caries.

If the Patient’s tooth is “suffering” from simple caries (carious spot, loss of hard dental tissue), we perform the following procedures:

• fluoridation – a pleasant procedure, which in case of a carious spot, involves rubbing in fluorine preparations that cause the remineralisation of dental enamel (the procedure is repeated several times every few days);
• preparation and filling of carious cavities – the procedure consists in removing the dental tissues affected by caries and filling the cavity with a special material.

At Elektoralna Dental Clinic, we attach great importance to ensuring our Patients’ comfort and feeling of safety. We all know how we are affected by pain and being aware that we will soon be feeling it.

At our clinic we do everything to keep any pain and discomfort connected with dental treatment to an absolute minimum.

We use special gels that eliminate the stinging sensation at the time of administering anaesthesia, and utilize The Wand – the revolutionary dental injection system (the anaesthetic is administered through a very small needle and the injection is computer-controlled, thanks to which is has the right speed and pressure) and sedation, which we use, for instance, in case of uncooperative children, in more complicated procedures, e.g. surgeries, and in case of patients suffering from dentophobia (fear of receiving dental care).

Many Patients complain of hypersensitive necks of the teeth. It is a very troublesome affliction, as it causes pain and discomfort, and simply disturbs our everyday life. The causes of hypersensitive teeth are sometimes complicated, but the actual process that leads to its occurrence is quite simple. The underlying layer of a healthy tooth (dentine) is protected by the gums and enamel. The loss of enamel and the creation of cavities may take place when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth because of:

• using a hard bristle toothbrush,
• using a wrong brushing technique,
• using toothpastes that cause enamel abrasion,
• overload caused by an improper dental occlusion,
• gum inflammation,
• the presence of tartar,
• age – the gums recede (pull away from the teeth) with time,
• bruxism

As a result of the combination of various factors, the dentine becomes uncovered and hypersensitivity occurs. It manifests itself by pain triggered by external stimuli, e.g. hot or cold, sweet or sour food and drinks. The key to preventing sensitive teeth is preventing gum recession and the creation of cervical cavities.

In order to avoid it, one should remember about:

Regular, daily oral hygiene. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day for three minutes, using a soft or medium bristle toothbrush.

Brushing the teeth with appropriate force. The control of brushing force is easier when using electric toothbrushes that stop the brushing movements, when the pressure of the fibres on the teeth and gums exceeds the appropriate level. They are delicate for the teeth and gums, yet at the same time extremely effective in removing dental plaque.

Using oral hygiene products that contain fluorine (toothpastes, mouthwashes).

Careful cleaning of the spaces between the teeth with the use of dental floss.

Using an oral irrigator.

Regular check-ups at the dentist.

IF YOU ALLOW YOUR GUMS TO RECEDE, YOU WILL NEVER GET RID OF THIS PROBLEM. (see -> gum recession coverage procedures)

We use various methods of tooth sensitivity treatment that are selected individually for each patient. The mechanism of action of sensitivity reducing agents is based on the attempt to inhibit the conduction of stimuli to the dental pulp sensory nerves, or on mechanical occlusion of open dentinal canals. In order to maintain the achieved treatment effects, we select appropriate products to be used by the patient at home.

We all know how important caring for good health is for every future Mom. After all, by doing so, she is also caring for the health of her unborn child.

We previously explained that dental caries is a disease caused by bacteria, so if we did not manage to care for the health of our teeth before the pregnancy, they should now be treated as soon as possible.

Contrary to prevailing opinion, women not only can, but should treat their teeth during pregnancy! A developing inflammation, often accompanied by pain, might be a threat to the baby. Unfortunately, future young moms very often reach for painkillers and decide not to see a dentist. Such behaviour is reckless, because an inflammation won’t just go away, while the sharp, darting pain will only get worse. An inflammation is dangerous for the baby, because all bacterial toxins can directly affect the foetus.

Dental care of pregnant women is particularly important in view of the fact that the state of health of the women’s oral cavity has a big influence on the course and completion of pregnancy. It is estimated that around 18% of premature births and births with low birth weight is linked with periodontal diseases and inflammations of the oral cavity (see -> periodontics). That is why particular importance is attached to appropriate prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases, which might lead to a significant lowering of the frequency of occurrence of premature births. It should also be noted that in the first trimester of pregnancy most women suffer from recurrent nausea (vomiting), that lead to damaging tooth enamel and intensify the growth of already existing carious cavities. It’s exacerbation of caries, periodontal diseases, increased tooth mobility, painful gums and bleeding, as well as foul breath that most often make pregnant women visit a dental clinic.

Throughout the entire duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding period, the teeth are more prone to caries than usual. The baby “drains” the mother of calcium and vitamins, which contributes to damaging the teeth. Exacerbation of caries during pregnancy results mainly from neglecting oral hygiene, increased appetite and frequent snacking on high-carbohydrate food. It is also linked to the acidic reaction of saliva during pregnancy and the damaging of tooth enamel as a result of pregnancy vomiting. Pregnant women are advised to rinse their mouths using diluted fluoride mouthwash. On the other hand, it is not recommended to brush teeth with a tooth brush directly after vomiting, as this will further destroy tooth enamel.

Gum inflammation during pregnancy

Gum inflammation during pregnancy is a transient phenomenon. It can be general or local. It most often occurs at the beginning of the second trimester. The symptoms increase gradually, until they peak at around the 8th month of the pregnancy, and then gradually decrease as the expected date of birth approaches.

The most frequent symptoms of gum inflammation during pregnancy are softening, overgrowth, pain and bleeding from gums. If a future mom is experiencing any of these, she should see a dentist immediately.

IT WAS FOUND THAT UNTREATED PERIODONTAL INFECTIONS CAUSE PREMATURE BIRTHS AND BIRTHS WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT.

The scope of dental treatment during pregnancy

Women during pregnancy require planned and attentive dental care like in no other period in their lives. Contrary to prevailing opinion,

THERE ARE NO CONTRAINDICATIONS TO PERFORMING PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE DENTAL PROCEDURES DURING PREGNANCY.

The safest time, however, is the second trimester, because the first three months are a special period when the foetus takes shape and develops the most important organs, while treatment in the third trimester might be more difficult on account of the inconveniences related to the size of the mother’s belly. Although it requires more effort than usual, all teeth problems during pregnancy can be avoided through prevention, regular check-ups and appropriate treatment.

X-rays during pregnancy

The effects of X-ray radiation on the foetus has for years been the topic of many research papers. Recent studies have shown that there is a link between dental radiography and low birth weight, caused by the impact that the radiation has on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.

DURING PREGNANCY, X-RAY EXAMINATIONS SHOULD BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM AND PERFORMED ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY

Local anaesthesia in pregnancy

There are no contraindications to the use of local anaesthesia in pregnant women. However, the future mom should inform the doctor that she is pregnant, as it will influence the choice of the anaesthetic (an anaesthetic without adrenaline is used – see -> our clinic is pain-free). It often happens that stress related to dental treatment without anaesthesia increases the release of adrenaline and can have a more adverse effect on the foetus than treatment with the use of anaesthesia.

1.What is dental caries?

Dental caries is a disease of hard dental tissue. The main reason for the formation of caries is dental plaque, which consists of residual food and bacteria that are deposited on the teeth after every meal. Bacteria contained in the plaque convert sugars found in food into acids, which in turn wash out minerals (calcium, phosphorus) from the enamel. This leads to the weakening and damaging of the tooth enamel, which enables further development of dental caries.

2. How to prevent the formation of dental caries?

In order to effectively prevent the development of dental caries, it is necessary to strengthen the structure of hard dental tissue through:

• appropriate oral hygiene;
• home and professional fluoride prevention;
• sealing tooth fissures – covering tooth pits and fissures with special material (see ->prevention);
• a well-balanced diet;
• prevention of occlusal abnormalities (see ->orthodontics).

3. Do I have to quit eating sweets to have healthy teeth?

Sugar contained in food is indeed a prerequisite for dental plaque bacteria to produce acids, and thus to commence the carious process. However, it is impossible to completely eliminate sugar from the diet. You should therefore remember that what is more important than the overall amount of sweets that you eat is their consistency and how frequently you eat them (the time they remain in your mouth). The most harmful for your teeth is frequent eating of sticky products that adhere to teeth (toffee-style candies, crisps – the most popular salty snack, etc.). Thus, you do not have to completely deprive yourself of the pleasure of eating sweets. It is important to observe regular meal times, limit snacking between meals and clean your teeth immediately after eating sweets.

4. What type of toothbrush should I use?

Choosing the right toothbrush is very important in oral hygiene. The most important factor is matching the size and bristle hardness of the toothbrush individually to the patient’s needs. The head of the toothbrush should not be too big, making it possible to reach the inaccessible surface of molar teeth. Usually soft and medium-soft toothbrushes are recommended. Also available on the market are electric and sonic toothbrushes. They are very easy to use and reduce the time required for brushing teeth in comparison with traditional toothbrushes.

5. How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months on average. Some toothbrushes have a wear indicator in the form of a bristle bunch in a different colour, which discolours as the toothbrush wears.

6. How should I brush my teeth?

Generally speaking, any method of brushing the teeth is good, provided that it is efficient and not harmful to teeth and gums. Ideally, the brushing technique should be chosen individually by a dentist or hygienist, depending on the patient’s needs, the condition of his or her dentition and gums, as well as their dexterity. Correct tooth brushing should last at least 3 minutes. The minimum frequency of the procedure in case of most people is twice a day: in the morning after breakfast and in the evening after the last meal, before sleep. However, in some circumstances, e.g. in patients wearing permanent braces, teeth should be brushed after each meal.

7. Is toothbrush alone enough?

Efficient tooth care requires the cleaning of all tooth surfaces (facial, lingual, masticatory and interproximal). However, only the first three of them are accessible to a toothbrush, so a toothbrush alone is not enough for maintaining appropriate oral hygiene. Also available on the market are electric and sonic toothbrushes. They are very easy to use and reduce the time required for brushing teeth in comparison with traditional toothbrushes.

It is necessary to use additional tools:

• Dental floss – used for cleaning interdental spaces;
• Dental toothpicks – made of silicone or non-splintering wood;
• Interdental toothbrush;
• Single tuft toothbrush;
• Dental irrigator.

8. What kind of toothpaste should I use?

The selection of toothpaste is not as important as the selection of the toothbrush; however, the use of an appropriate toothpaste may improve the efficiency of brushing. Most toothpastes on the market conform to basic requirements.

There are several types of toothpastes:

• preventive toothpastes;
• herbal toothpastes;
• whitening toothpastes;
• non-fluoride toothpastes;
• children’s toothpastes;
• multi-action toothpastes.

9. What are the benefits of using fluoride preparations?

Professional preventive products include varnishes, gels and foams used commonly in the protection of both the entire dentition and selected teeth, as well as modern non-fluoride preparations containing tissue-rebuilding substances, also known as “artificial enamel”.

The above preparations:

• strengthen the enamel of adults and children;
• reduce the build-up of dental plaque;
• prevent the development of secondary caries (adjacent to fillings);
• prevent the development of caries during treatment with permanent braces;
• reduce hypersensitivity of the necks of the teeth.

10. Does dental treatment have to be painful?

At Elektoralna Dental Clinic, we always offers our patients treatment under anaesthesia if the planned procedure may cause them any pain. The intensity of pain sensation related to dental procedures depends significantly on the depth of the carious cavity and the individual sensitivity of the patient, so our dentists determine the dose and type of anaesthesia on an individual basis. The Villa Nova Dental Clinic is equipped with specialised equipment for local anaesthesia (the Wand) that guarantees a unique, painless anaesthetic technique. (see -> our clinic is pain-free)).