Tooth decay is one of the most common dental diseases and is widespread in virtually all age groups. To prevent further damage to the teeth, tooth decay should be treated as soon as the cavity is noticed. Thanks to modern treatment methods and anesthetics, this can be done completely painlessly today.
To treat tooth decay, the dentist removes the decayed portion and fills the tooth. In cases of more extensive damage, an inlay, onlay, or crown may also be used. The result is a fully restored tooth that is once again symptom-free and can withstand normal chewing forces.
When should tooth decay be treated?
Tooth decay should be treated as soon as possible after a decayed area is detected, since tooth decay does not resolve on its own. If left untreated, the bacterial infection progresses, causing further damage to the tooth. Eventually, the tooth may no longer be salvageable.
We recommend that you see your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect tooth decay. Your dentist can determine within a few minutes whether decayed areas are actually present and provide treatment if necessary.
What are the options for treating tooth decay?
A drill isn’t always necessary to treat tooth decay. In the early stages of tooth decay—known as initial caries—only the enamel is affected. In such cases, it may be sufficient to apply fluoride and then seal the porous areas.
In Zurich, we usually treat advanced tooth decay using the traditional drill method. The damaged portion is painlessly removed, and the tooth is restored with a filling. We often use a tooth-colored composite filling, which allows us to fully restore the tooth’s appearance.
For more extensive damage, a more stable inlay—a type of filling custom-made from dental ceramic in a dental lab—is recommended. If large portions of the tooth have already been lost, the dentist may also recommend placing a crown on the tooth to stabilize it.
What should I keep in mind after having tooth decay treated?
The dental filling is cured with a special light during the treatment itself. This means you can eat and drink immediately after the cavity treatment. If you received anesthesia, you should wait to eat until the anesthesia has completely worn off.
To prevent new cavities from forming, we recommend paying special attention to your oral hygiene after your cavity treatment. You should brush your teeth after every meal if possible, and clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental brushes. Your dentist will also be happy to advise you on how to prevent cavities through proper nutrition.
Treating Cavities: How Much Does It Cost?
The cost depends on the extent of the tooth damage and the type of restoration chosen. For example, a simple composite filling is significantly less expensive than an inlay. Treatment costs can also vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Feel free to schedule a personal consultation in Zurich to discuss whether you need cavity treatment and what the treatment costs would be.
FAQ
Caries, also known as tooth decay, is a bacterial infection. In this condition, the oral cavity becomes colonized by streptococci, which feed on components of dental plaque. This metabolic process produces an acid that causes demineralization of the tooth enamel. The tooth becomes weakened. The bacteria can then penetrate the tooth and cause further damage.
A major risk factor for tooth decay is a diet high in sugar. Therefore, sugary foods should be avoided, and plaque should be removed as soon as possible. To this end, we recommend thorough daily oral hygiene, including cleaning between the teeth. Regular professional dental cleanings are also recommended. During these cleanings, hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly cleaned, and the teeth are examined for signs of decay.
If tooth decay is left untreated, the decay can spread. The tooth structure becomes increasingly damaged until, eventually, the tooth can no longer be saved. The infection can also spread to the tooth’s nerve, resulting in painful root inflammation. We therefore recommend treating tooth decay as soon as the first sign of decay is detected.
When we treat tooth decay in Zurich, we always make sure that the procedure is pain-free for you. Thanks to modern anesthetics and treatment methods, this is easily achievable. Even if you have increased sensitivity, you should not experience any pain during the treatment of tooth decay.
We basically treat tooth decay the same way regardless of age. However, we take extra time with our young patients to ensure that the children feel comfortable and safe during treatment.
One unique aspect is the treatment of cavities in baby teeth. When in doubt, the dentist tends to opt for extraction, since baby teeth will fall out anyway. However, preserving the tooth remains a priority even for baby teeth. Baby teeth serve as space maintainers for the permanent teeth that will come in later and thus play a very important role.