Dentistry refers to the area of dentistry that treats changes in the anatomy of the tooth, i.e. changes in its shape or size. Many of these changes are caused by tooth decay, trauma and other complications.
In the case of cavities, for example, dentistry is responsible for removing the decayed tooth structure and filling the cavity with restorative material (usually composite resins).
This is the area of dentistry that repairs damage caused by tooth decay, trauma or other dental problems. As such, it is up to dentistry to try and restore the tooth’s appearance and texture, as well as improving its chewing function, breath, well-being and self-confidence.
Some of the situations in which dentistry can help are:
- changes to the buccal surface of the front teeth;
- stains due to fluorosis;
- darkening of the teeth;
- malformation;
- poor positioning in the arch;
- diastemas;
- wide restorations;
- loss of crown structure due to caries or trauma;
- treatment of erosion, abrasion and friction lesions.
This is the area of dentistry that repairs damage caused by tooth decay, trauma or other dental problems. As such, it is up to dentistry to try and restore the tooth’s appearance and texture, as well as improving its chewing function, breath, well-being and self-confidence.
Some of the situations in which dentistry can help are:
- changes to the buccal surface of the front teeth;
- stains due to fluorosis;
- darkening of the teeth;
- malformation;
- poor positioning in the arch;
- diastemas;
- wide restorations;
- loss of crown structure due to caries or trauma;
- treatment of erosion, abrasion and friction lesions.
How to treat a cavity?
The main way to restore a decayed tooth is with a filling. If the tooth is already badly damaged, it may be necessary to remove it and place a dental implant.
Is there a way to preventtooth decay?
In addition to oral hygiene care, such as: performing good oral hygiene at least three times a day with a fluoridated paste after meals; not consuming food after brushing; flossing at least once a day; not snacking between meals; eating a healthy diet; and avoiding sweet foods; there are also treatments that can help prevent tooth decay.
This type of treatment consists of various procedures, such as: professional cleaning, fluoride treatment, the fitting of sealants and protective coatings and the use of special toothpaste.
How to treat a cavity?
The main way to restore a decayed tooth is with a filling. If the tooth is already badly damaged, it may be necessary to remove it and place a dental implant.
Is there a way to prevent tooth decay?
In addition to oral hygiene care, such as: performing good oral hygiene at least three times a day with a fluoridated paste after meals; not consuming food after brushing; flossing at least once a day; not snacking between meals; eating a healthy diet; and avoiding sweet foods; there are also treatments that can help prevent tooth decay.
This type of treatment consists of various procedures, such as: professional cleaning, fluoride treatment, the fitting of sealants and protective coatings and the use of special toothpaste.
What are the advantages of going to the dentist in good time?
Going to the dentist in good time has some benefits, such as:
─ Ensure that the lesion is as small as possible, as well as the fragility of the tooth, so that its restoration is simpler and more effective.
─ Prevent the progressive destruction of the tooth structure until the entire tooth is lost.
What materials are used to restore teeth?
Currently, the most commonly used material is composite resin. However, silver amalgam (metal alloy) can also be used, especially in the case of children.
In the case of very extensive or destructive lesions, onlay or overlay treatment is chosen, using ceramic or composite resin. There are also situations where a crown has to be placed. In disuse is dental amalgam which, although stable and durable, is not very aesthetically appealing.
What care should be taken with restorations?
Restorations deserve the same kind of care as teeth, i.e. brushing three times a day, cleaning with dental floss and a visit to the doctor every six months.
Even so, it is normal for restorations to start showing wear, cracks and fractures after a while. In these cases, it needs to be repaired or replaced.
What to do in case of tooth fractures and diastema?
Dentistry also deals with the treatment of fractures or cracks in the teeth, harmonising the smile and eliminating gaps between teeth.
To restore fractured teeth, composite resins with good mechanical and aesthetic performance are usually used.
These same resins can be used to reconstruct teeth and thus harmonise the smile. In this case, direct restorations in composite resin or indirect restorations in ceramic (so-called dental veneers) can be carried out.
These same techniques can be used to eliminate diastemas, i.e. the space between the teeth, especially the front teeth.
Get to know our Clinical Cases
Tooth whitening is a non-invasive solution for whitening tooth surfaces. There are currently two types of tooth whitening.
Whitening with moulds (at home)
In this case, it is the patient who carries out the treatment, placing a gel inside a tray made by the dentist, tailored to the patient’s mouth.
In-office whitening (laser)
In this case, the dentist applies a whitening gel agent to the patient’s teeth. The laser is then applied to achieve more intense whitening.
What types of tooth whitening are available?
Tooth whitening is a non-invasive solution for whitening tooth surfaces. There are currently two types of tooth whitening.
Whitening with moulds (at home)
In this case, it is the patient who carries out the treatment, placing a gel inside a tray made by the dentist, tailored to the patient’s mouth.
In-office whitening (laser)
In this case, the dentist applies a whitening gel agent to the patient’s teeth. The laser is then applied to achieve more intense whitening.
What are the functions of dental veneers?
Dental veneers are prosthetic pieces that partially cover the teeth, contributing to a more uniform and harmonious aesthetic in terms of colour and shape.
Veneers can be applied directly to the teeth’s composite resins or indirectly, in which case they are made of ceramic.
This treatment is widely used to restore aesthetics and function in an effective and non-invasive way.
What are the functions of dental veneers?
Dental veneers are prosthetic pieces that partially cover the teeth, contributing to a more uniform and harmonious aesthetic in terms of colour and shape.
Veneers can be applied directly to the teeth’s composite resins or indirectly, in which case they are made of ceramic.
This treatment is widely used to restore aesthetics and function in an effective and non-invasive way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The step-by-step treatment consists of: applying a jet similar to bicarbonate; putting on a varnish that seals the tooth structure and protects the teeth; and establishing a maintenance plan using a special toothpaste.
These types of restorations do not need to be replaced unless they fracture or are aesthetically displeasing to the patient.
Yes. The fact that you have a restoration does not prevent caries from developing underneath it. In these cases, a new restoration is necessary.
Yes, dentistry can also solve this type of complication, with several treatment options available: external whitening, internal whitening or covering the tooth with a composite or ceramic veneer.
Yes. Although the colour of composite resin restorations naturally changes over time, there are indeed foods and drinks that can accelerate this change due to the artificial pigments they contain.
This is the case with coffee, tea, soft drinks, tobacco… Therefore, those who have restorations, especially in the anterior sector, should avoid consuming these products, especially in the hours after the restorations have been made.
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