Caries disease is one of the most common dental problems affecting the patients of all ages. Although many people consider tooth decay to be a trivial problem, it is worth understanding the seriousness of this disease and potential complications of it. Awareness of the consequences that may result from abandoning the treatment of caries, such as – treatment costs increasing in direct proportion to its advancement and health complications resulting from its progressing process can help patients to take appropriate steps to prevent and treat it.
Caries is a bacterial infectious disease of hard tooth tissues manifested by demineralization (damage) of the enamel and dentine, caused by the action of acids produced by cariogenic bacteria present in the oral cavity. These bacteria metabolize sugars in food, creating acid that destroys tooth tissue and causing the cavities. These can deepen over time, causing pain and infection of the pulp and tissues adjacent to the affected tooth.
Undiagnosed and untreated caries at its early stage can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Pain– The tooth may become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks. If bacteria reach the tooth pulp, it becomes infected and causes severe pain and inflammation. Due to the close location of nerve endings with the central nervous system, this pain is often described by patients as one of the most troublesome.
- Tooth loss – Advanced caries affecting a significant part of the hard tissues of the tooth can lead to tooth loss. As a result of its lack in the dental arch, the occlusal system is disturbed – the adjacent teeth and the opposing one will change their natural positions over time, striving to compensate for the resulting lack, which can lead to problems with chewing, speech and aesthetics.
- Infections and general complications – Bacteria causing caries, in the appropriate stage of the disease, can penetrate into the adjacent tissues, causing inflammation and gradual destruction – for example, of the bone surrounding the tooth. An advanced caries process can also lead to serious health consequences
Therefore, it is important to visit the dentist regularly for oral examination and to detect caries as early as possible in order to keep the tooth in the mouth and avoid complications. The Warsaw Dental Academy employs a team of qualified professionals who know the exact symptoms of caries and are able to diagnose it at every stage, and then plan and carry out the effective treatment by making highly aesthetic restorations with light-curing materials, which recreate the natural anatomy of the tooth.
We would like to invite you for a examination of the oral cavity condition along with treatment planning at the Warsaw Dental Academy. Make your appointment today!
