A cavity in a tooth — what to do and how to treat
A small defect in the hard tissues of a tooth is the beginning of a pathological process that can lead to deep caries and pulp damage. Only a few months pass from the moment the hole is formed to the penetration of infection into the dentin. At this stage, the tooth can still be saved without removing the nerve, using microinvasive methods that preserve the maximum amount of healthy tissue.
Diagnostics at Astra Dent begins with a visual examination under a dental microscope, which allows us to see microcracks and initial areas of enamel demineralization. To clarify the depth of the lesion, digital radiovisiographs with a minimum dose of radiation and 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are used. Thanks to a thorough examination, the doctor learns about the size of the hole in the tooth and the condition of the surrounding tissues.
Treatment is performed with an isolation rubber dam system, which ensures sterility of the working field. Carious tissues are removed using turbine tips with micro mode or sandblasting. For restoration, nanohybrid and nanoceramic composites with high strength and accurate reproduction of the tooth color according to the VITA scale are selected.
The use of modern anesthetics guarantees complete pain relief during all stages of caries treatment, regardless of the depth of tooth damage. The drugs are selected individually, taking into account the patient's general health and possible contraindications. After the procedure, the tightness of the restoration is checked, which prevents the re-development of caries under the filling and extends the service life of the restored tooth.
Why does a hole appear in a tooth?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), caries is the most common oral disease in the world, affecting more than 2.3 billion people. Carious lesions are diagnosed in 99% of the adult population of Poland. This means that a small hole in the tooth is a problem that almost every person faces.
The main cause of tooth decay is caries. It causes the gradual destruction of enamel and dentin under the influence of acids that are formed during the vital activity of bacteria. The process develops in stages:
- First, a microscopic zone of demineralization appears. At this point, the enamel loses minerals, but does not yet have a visible cavity.
- Then a small defect forms in the surface layer of enamel. Bacteria and acids penetrate deeper, affecting the dentin, which is much softer and destroys faster.
- Over time, the cavity increases, damaging most of the crown part of the tooth.
- If the lesion reaches the pulp, pulpitis develops — inflammation of the neurovascular bundle of the tooth, which is accompanied by acute pain and requires endodontic treatment (removal of the nerve).
- In advanced cases, the tooth tissue is destroyed to such an extent that restoration is possible only with the help of orthopedic structures — inlays, crowns or prosthetics.
If a tooth with a hole hurts, do not postpone a visit to the dentist. Timely intervention prevents complications, significantly reduces treatment costs and the recovery period.
Symptoms and what to do?
Most patients consult a dentist only in cases where discomfort or pain occurs. Tooth destruction remains unnoticed for a long time if the defect is located in the interdental space or on the inner surface of the crown. For this reason, it is recommended to undergo preventive examinations even in the absence of pain.
If you notice a lesion or suspect caries, pay attention to the characteristic symptoms:
- Reaction to cold or hot. Discomfort after a sip of cold water or a hot drink indicates inflammation in the deep layers of the tooth.
- Pain from sweets. Short-term or long-term sensitivity after eating sugary foods indicates a violation of the integrity of the enamel and exposure of the dentin.
- Discomfort when chewing or pressing. This is a sign of dentin damage or the initial stage of pulp inflammation.
- A visible dark spot or cavity. A small defect may indicate an active carious process that progresses over time.
Ignoring symptoms leads to a deepening of the lesion and increases the risk of pulpitis or periodontitis. Making an appointment with a dentist at the first sign of a problem allows you to cure the tooth with minimal intervention.
How do we at Astra Dent Warsaw treat a hole in a tooth?
The carious process does not stop on its own. The lesion gradually deepens, affecting new layers of tissue. The earlier the treatment is started, the easier and less traumatic it will be. Each stage at Astra Dent — from diagnostics to restoration — is performed using modern optics, precision instruments and materials that can fully recreate the structure and strength of a natural tooth.
Examination — we will accurately determine the depth of the lesion
For the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to determine the boundaries and depth of the lesion. Astra Dent specialists conduct diagnostics using equipment that gives a complete picture of the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues:
- A dental microscope detects microcracks, initial zones of demineralization and hidden lesions that are invisible to the naked eye.
- Digital radiovisiography provides a high-quality image with a minimum dose of radiation. It allows you to see caries between teeth, under fillings and assess the condition of bone tissue.
- 3D cone-beam tomography (CBCT) creates a three-dimensional model of the tooth and surrounding structures. It shows the location of the canals and the depth of the lesion with an accuracy of up to tenths of a millimeter.
The combination of various diagnostic methods allows us to develop an accurate treatment plan, choose the optimal tool and technique, and most importantly, preserve as much healthy tooth tissue as possible.
Atraumatic removal of affected tissues and filling
At the stage of caries removal, our doctors use a magnifying technique that allows them to work with micron precision:
- Turbine and micromotor tips with adjustable speed allow us to adapt the rotation intensity to the density of the tissues and reduce the risk of overheating.
- Air-abrasive treatment is used for superficial lesions when there is no need for traditional drilling intervention. Abrasive powder under pressure delicately removes the affected layer.
- Before filling, the surface is treated with an antiseptic and protected from moisture with a rubber dam, which guarantees sterility and durability of the restoration.
The combination of precise mechanical processing with the delicacy of modern atraumatic methods ensures the strength and reliability of the subsequent filling on the tooth.
Restoration with color selection and full restoration of function
The final stage of treatment is aimed at closing the cavity, restoring the anatomical shape and natural appearance of the tooth. Restoration at Astra Dent is performed taking into account the individual characteristics of the color and transparency of the patient's enamel:
- Nanohybrid and nanoceramic composites. At the Astra Dent dental center, we use the latest generation materials with high strength, abrasion resistance and the ability to imitate the optical properties of a natural tooth.
- Shade selection according to the VITA scale. The doctor selects the color with accuracy to the halftone, taking into account the base shade, transparency and nuances of light absorption.
- Layered application. Each layer of material has a thickness that ensures natural light transmission of the restoration.
- LED polymerization with controlled wavelength. Each layer of the composite is polymerized under the light of the desired spectrum to achieve maximum hardness and durability.
- Grinding and polishing. Performed with abrasive discs and brushes with a gradual decrease in grain size, which provides a mirror-like shine of the surface and reduces the risk of plaque formation.
Combined technology allows us to restore the function of the tooth and achieve a result that is indistinguishable from natural tissues even up close.
Root canal treatment or microprosthetics for significant destruction
If the carious lesion reaches the pulp, endodontic treatment is necessary. In difficult anatomical conditions, the following are used:
- Apexlocator. The device accurately determines the length of the root canal to prevent underfilling or excessive removal of material beyond the apex.
- Nickel-titanium instruments. Used for mechanical processing of canals. They are flexible and resistant to breakage, allowing for the passage of strongly curved canals without damaging the walls.
- Hermetic sealing. Performed with biocompatible materials with high adhesion, which prevents re-infection of the tooth.
- Microprosthetics with inlays or ceramic overlays. Restorative elements are manufactured on CAD/CAM equipment, which allows for a fit accuracy of up to 50 microns.
- Restoration of the anatomical shape. Each microprosthesis is modeled to ensure correct occlusal contacts and chewing efficiency identical to a natural tooth.
Thanks to a comprehensive approach, even a severely damaged tooth can be saved, completely restoring its function and natural appearance.
Why do patients choose Astra Dent Warsaw for the treatment of a hole in a tooth?
The choice of a medical institution for the treatment of caries affects the result and service life of the restoration. Each stage at Astra Dent is performed according to modern protocols, using the latest generation materials and under the supervision of experienced specialists:
- Painless treatment. Infiltration, conduction or combined anesthesia is used with an individual selection of the drug. Anesthetics are administered slowly, which eliminates discomfort, and additional relaxation methods reduce anxiety.
- High-quality fillings — not visible, not felt. Composites with shade selection according to the VITA scale imitate the color, transparency and shine of enamel. After grinding and polishing, the restoration is indistinguishable from your own tooth.
- Technologies — microscope, 3D diagnostics. The microscope allows us to work with an accuracy of microns, and 3D cone-beam tomography shows the real depth of the lesion and the anatomy of the tooth, which reduces the risk of repeated treatment.
- Experienced doctors. Dentists undergo regular advanced training courses, possess modern methods of preparation and restoration, and work in strict accordance with international standards.
- Price — transparent, flexible payment. Each patient receives a detailed treatment plan with a cost calculation before the start of work.
- Center of Warsaw. The dentistry is located in a convenient transport hub with access to public transport and a parking area.
Comprehensive organization of the treatment process guarantees a stable result with full restoration of the function and natural appearance of the tooth without unexpected complications.
How to make an appointment at Astra Dent Warsaw?
The earlier you start treating caries, the greater your chances of saving your tooth and avoiding complicated procedures. Astra Dent patients in Warsaw can count on an individual approach, modern diagnostics and restoration using precise technologies.
Make an appointment now:
- phone: +48 533 599 552;
- e-mail: info@astradent.pl
- online application: on the official website.
The dental center is open from 9:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekends. The organization of the appointment is designed so that the visit takes place without waiting and in the most comfortable conditions.
