Conservative Dentistry in Warsaw

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a form of infection where specific bacteria, naturally present in the mouth, develop on the surface of the enamel, especially in grooves and places protected from friction, forming the so-called bacterial plaque, where sugars from food accumulate. The bacteria process the accumulated compounds, metabolizing them into acidic by-products that then demineralize the surface and disintegrate the enamel structure.

The first step in preventing tooth decay is proper hygiene, which limits bacteria’s access to compounds that are sources of harmful metabolites.

The occurrence of carious lesions is initially superficial, but without appropriate specialist help, the disease can freely progress, penetrating deeper structures of the tooth. Cavities in the enamel themselves are not painful, but when they penetrate and damage the dentin, they can become noticeable. The characteristic pain sometimes persists until the pulp (commonly referred to as the “nerve”) dies. If tooth decay remains untreated, bacteria can also penetrate the entire root canal system, initiating a painful inflammatory response in the so-called periapical tissues — those surrounding the infected tooth. The progression of tooth decay often leads to the initial stages being ignored.

Who is at risk of tooth decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common oral diseases worldwide. It usually occurs in children and young adults, although it can affect anyone. Even in older age, cavities can sometimes form on roots exposed over the years. Tooth decay significantly impairs the quality of life. Conservative dentistry effectively deals with the consequences of its occurrence.

Dentistry in Praga Południe — what does the treatment look like?

Our dentists, when performing procedures to remove damaged or diseased tissue, strive to minimize the removal of healthy tooth parts. We focus on treatment methods that are minimally invasive, prioritizing patient comfort and safety. Our goal is to maintain the integrity of the tooth in the mouth while effectively treating the problem and preventing its recurrence. During procedures such as filling a cavity or more invasive root canal treatment, the dentist carefully removes infected, dead, and damaged tissue, leaving the healthy part of the tooth intact.

After thorough cleaning, a filling or prosthetic restoration should be applied to prevent the recurrence of the disease through a tight reconstruction and to increase the mechanical strength of the tooth. The duration of the restoration varies depending on the extent of the damage and the number of teeth affected. If a composite filling is applied, it is done in a single visit. When a full tooth reconstruction is necessary, 2-3 visits may be required. The final result is a fully functional, healthy tooth free from carious disease.