Treatment
Conservative dentistry
Composite, gold and ceramic fillings.
The aim of conservative dentistry is to:
- treat tooth decay,
- protect the teeth's hard protective layer and insulate the pulp from the harmful effects of external agents (chemical, bacterial, thermal),
- counteract tooth decay,
- maintain the resilience of the pulp and
- restore the shape of the tooth and thus its function.
Depending on the location, type and extent of decay, and on the patient's age, different materials are used:
AMALGAMS - these are a long-lasting silver coloured material, particularly recommended for small areas of decay on back teeth and for people with lower oral cavity hygiene levels. Modern amalgams are not hazardous to health.
COMPOSITES - since they are now available in a fully comprehensive range of colours, they are the most widely used, particularly for the front teeth. Because they contract during polymerization they are extremely tight-fitting, especially where the decay is over a large area, and are long-lasting. Some composites contain fluoride which can prevent further decay and are thus particularly suitable for milk teeth. Where there is a large area of damage in live teeth (through an injury or where a tooth has had several fillings) it may be necessary to strengthen it with a titanium pin, which is screwed into the bottom of the decayed area to become an additional support for the filling. In dead teeth, after the canal has been filled appropriately, special titanium, gold, zirconium or fibreglass screws are cemented in, so that the tooth may be used in future prosthetic treatment.
ONLAYS, INLAYS - these form a separate group of fillings made of ceramic or gold alloys. The basic advantage of these fillings is their stability, resistance to wear and longevity. Since it takes several stages to make them and involves working with the prosthetics lab, they are relatively expensive. The main disadvantage of these fillings is that a larger amount of healthy tissue needs to be removed than for composite or amalgam fillings. In order for the treatment to be successful, both patient and dentist must work closely together, with regular follow-up visits a priority (in the case of children every three months, and for adults, once every 6 months).
