Tooth Decay Stages: 5 Stages and How to Treat Them
Tooth decay is among the most common causes of pain in the teeth. Many patients are not aware of the signs until the decay becomes more severe. Actually, tooth decay can also lead to tooth loss completely in the absence of proper dental treatment. Below are the various phases of tooth decay to be aware of, according to Oral-B:
Stages of Tooth Decay
Stage 1: White Spots
Patients might mistake white areas on their teeth with signs of over-whitening. However, the chalky spots are an indication of a loss of calcium and plaque accumulation. Plaque is made up of bacteria, which metabolize sugars from the food you consume. This build-up of sugars makes enamel weaker and brittle.
As the initial sign of tooth decay, the white spots can be reversed if you receive the correct treatment from your dentist. You may consider a different brushing technique or an application of fluoride on the surface.
Stage 2: Enamel Decay
In this stage, the enamel begins to dissolve beneath the surface. It may not be possible to rebuild the original enamel and the minerals in your teeth which can lead to the formation of lesions. If the decay continues to progress, your teeth are at risk of breaking and becoming damaged. If your tooth is broken, it is recommended that you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Stage 3: Dentin Decay
Dentin is the area between the pulp and enamel of your teeth. In the third stage (if not treated), bacteria can eat away your enamel and the possibility of developing lesions in the dentin of your tooth increases.
When decay reaches the dentin layer, the discomfort will increase within the affected teeth, and a dental crown will probably be recommended to heal the tooth.
- Involvement of Pulp
The pulp is the heart of your teeth and is comprised of tissue and cells that create dentin. If tooth decay persists to this point, the pulp of your teeth could start to decay, which can cause extreme pain and eventually kill nerves and blood vessels that line your teeth. The best option for this moment is usually root canal treatment.
Stage 5: Abscess Formation
The fifth stage is also the last and most painful phase. If the infection gets to the tooth’s root, it is possible that the conjoining bones within the region are also at risk of infection. The tongue and gums may also expand, affecting your speech and placing you susceptible to developing various other ailments.
The usual procedure at this point involves oral surgical procedures.
Stage 6: Tooth Loss
If untreated, the tooth that has been damaged will eventually fall out and will not be able to heal and will need to be extracted.
The best method to avoid any stage of a rotten tooth is to ensure good dental hygiene. Regularly scheduled cleaning and preventive care are essential for preventing tooth decay as well as periodontal (gum) disease.
A good home-care routine is also essential, but regular dentist appointments are advised. iCareHeal, they ensure that their dentists stay aware of the most recent developments in preventive techniques, materials and procedures for cleaning. Your dental health is their primary concern. Contact them now to schedule the next time you visit.
You can keep your teeth healthy and save them from decay by putting Dental Crowns:
The human anatomy of a tooth is divided into two parts: the crown and the root. If you have healthy bones and gums, the tooth’s root is secured using the bones and gums.
The remaining tooth visible in the mouth, over the gum liner on the lower teeth and below the upper teeth, is known as a “clinical crown.” The cement-based restoration that partially or completely covers the exterior of the clinical crown is referred to as the dental crown.
Also called a cap, this hollow synthetic tooth is used in dentistry to cover a damaged or decayed tooth. The crown revivifies the tooth and shields it from further damage. Dental crowns can also serve as a covering for a damaged or discoloured tooth. Here is the procedure for crowns, as well as other essential details-
How is a Crown Made?
Here is the step-by-step procedure:
- The dentist will offer you a local anesthetic.
- In order to allow space for the crown, your dentist archives the tooth you would like to be restored.
- A tooth impression and adjacent tooth are taken. This impression is used to customize the crown you want to wear. The crown is created using dental restorative material based entirely on the impression. The final crown will be the proper shape for your mouth.
- In the meantime, until your final crown is prepared, your dentist will place a temporary crown on the tooth. It is designed to protect your tooth until the final crown is ready. The temporary crown could be of the same size and colour; however, it doesn’t act as a crown in the absolute sense.
- When you visit your dentist again, they removes the temporary crown for clinical use and replaces it with the final crown. The dentist will make sure that it’s in good shape, size and shade.
Dentists usually follow these steps while creating crowns; however, your tooth might also require specific treatment. It is possible that you will need an orthodontic procedure, gum therapy or root canal therapy.
Types of Crown:
We provide a variety of crown types:
- All-Metal
The crowns of these types are entirely made from alloy material. This material has great strength, but it lacks aesthetics. In this way, all-metal crowns are not used often and are generally used for a back utility, which isn’t often noticed.
- All-Porcelain
They look great when created using the same ceramic material, similar to the colour of your tooth. Ceramic caps are great for those who are extremely conscious of their appearance while smiling.
- Metal-Ceramic
They are made up of the strength and properties of porcelain and metal alloys.
- Permanent
Usually, they restore a chipped or crooked tooth to its natural appearance permanently. The tooth is fixed using dental cement. Contact an experienced Dental Clinic in Pune, if your child has such a tooth.
The benefits and purpose of the Crown
Following are the benefits of the dental cap:
- Help badly decayed teeth
Crowns can be utilized to treat a tooth with severe decay that can no longer be saved. The drilling of the severely decayed portion will often result in cracks. Therefore, securing the teeth with a crown may keep the decay from getting worse.
- Tooth Replacement
If you’ve lost any tooth in your mouth, the ideal replacement solution is to use an implant. The screw made of metal is placed within your jawbone and acts as the root for the teeth. A crown can be placed over it, making it appear like an actual tooth.
- Restore Chipped Teeth
Dental crowns are a great way to disguise damaged, stained, or unusually designed teeth. They are the only permanent and safe option to enhance the aesthetics of the teeth. Examine the price that a crown can cost against other dental treatment expenses.