What is root canal treatment (Endodontics)?
Inside the teeth, there is a small chamber (pulp) that contains capillary blood vessels and nerves, which gives life to the tooth. This structure, which allows teeth to grow and last, also acts as a warning and alarm when decay occurs.
When tooth decay breaks down the hard tissues of the tooth and progresses to the pulp chamber, toothache manifests itself and the acids secreted by the bacteria (if not treated) kill the pulp.
Thus, the resulting toxins (poisons) leak out from the narrow hole at the root tip and spread to the jawbone. Inflammation in the jawbone causes the loss of the tooth and the destruction of the surrounding tissues. Before reaching this stage, it is the best solution to remove the diseased pulp tissue to protect the tooth and surrounding tissues.
After the pulp tissue is cleaned, various processes are applied and disinfected to purify this chamber from bacteria. As a result, this space is filled up to the root tip with special substances.
What is filler?
Filling is the restoration of the cavity that appears after all the decays and residues of the decayed teeth have been cleaned, in accordance with the normal form of that tooth and with a proven material that can stay in the mouth for a long time without causing any problems.
What is tooth decay?
Dental caries are perceived as cavities that are mostly seen with dark discolorations. Although it is a preventable disease, there are very few people in the world who do not experience dental caries.
Why do teeth rot?
Bacterial plaque consisting of bacteria in the mouth can form acid from the residues of sugary and floury foods in the mouth. These acids dissolve the mineral tissue of the teeth, causing the enamel of the tooth to deteriorate, resulting in the onset of dental caries and cavities that dentists call cavities.
Who has more bruises?
Since cavities occur as a result of the meeting of bacteria with sugary and floury foods, there is a danger for everyone. However, those who have a high rate of carbohydrate and sugary foods in their diets and those whose waters have a very low fluoride content are at much more risk of caries. Although saliva creates a natural defense mechanism against the acid created by the bacterial plaque, it cannot prevent caries on its own. Diseases or drugs that reduce the flow and amount of saliva also accelerate the formation of caries.
Can tooth decay be prevented?
Yes:
Brushing your teeth after breakfast and before going to bed in the evening and using dental floss every day is the most effective way. Toothbrushes should be chosen small, since food residues are mostly accumulated in the recesses of the chewing surfaces of the teeth and the interfaces where the teeth touch each other. The inner surfaces of the teeth, the outer surfaces of the chewing surfaces and the upper tongue should be brushed and dental floss should be used at the interfaces. Brushes should have moderately hard or soft bristles and should be changed at regular intervals. The bristles of the brush should not be worn and should be stored in a way that does not carry bacteria. Never use someone else’s toothbrush. Using a fluoride toothpaste while brushing should take advantage of the role of fluoride in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride mouthwashes can also be used as an aid to fluoride pastes, which eliminate bad breath and give a feeling of freshness and cleanliness.
It is also important to try to consume sugary foods at main meals and to try not to eat anything between meals.
Visiting the dentist regularly is the best way to prevent or catch a caries early. In addition, in cases such as cold and heat sensitive teeth or painful teeth or chalky initial caries, brown discolorations and cavities, consulting a physician without delay will change the form of treatment and reduce its difficulty.
Is tooth decay more common than before?
Yes and unfortunately. Especially in developing countries like ours, dental caries is more common than in the past. This is due to the change in eating habits. Since ancient people were fed hard foods, a natural cleaning of the teeth was provided. Today, with the development of the ready-made food industry, the consumption of such foods has also increased. Since the foodstuffs such as biscuits, candy, chocolate, cola, which are always at our fingertips, are the substances that stick on the teeth and form acid, they are considered to be the main responsible for the increase in dental caries today.
How can I prevent cavities?
Teeth should be brushed with a fluoride toothpaste.
Dental floss or other interface tools should be used for the interfaces of your teeth.
Attention should be paid to a balanced diet.
Consult your dentist about “fluorination” and “fissure sealants”, which are applications that make your teeth more resistant to caries.
You should visit your dentist regularly for professional dental cleaning and oral examination.
