white fillings
drill-free fillings
tooth bonding
edelweiss veneers
porcelain veneers - lumineers
ceramic restorations
zirconium restorations
dental decoration - strass
whitening
air polishing
ARTIFICIAL DENTURES
complete - partials - dentures
dental implants
gingivitis treatment
periodontitis treatment
PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
diagnosis
treatment
sealants
fluorosis
removable mechanisms - guards
immobile mechanisms - braces
invisible
SPORT DENTISTRY
protective mouthguards
ENDODONTICS
root canals - therapy
reconstitution with shafts
EXTRACTIONS
standard tooth extraction
surgical tooth extractions
DIAGNOSIS
digital x-rays
intraoral camera
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
sleep apnea & snoring mouthguards
bruxism (grinding) treatment
halitosis treatment
prevention during pregnancy
prevention & care for the disabled
ORAL HYGIENE
general guidelines
individual programme
oral hygiene for children
ideas for parents
take care of your toothbrush
sex & oral health
TOOTH DECAY
prevention and early diagnosis can stop it's progress!
What is tooth decay:
Decay is a tooth disease, that is caused by the reaction of acids that create microbes, that are always present in the mouth, to increase in number.
The number of microbes increases, when they eat food remements (microbial plaque), that have been left on the tooth surfaces.
The reaction of the acid on the teeth cause a loss of calicum salts and phosphorus from the tooth's surface, that if it isn't caught in time causes a breakdown in the dental substance and the symptoms of caries.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
- white (first stage) and brown (second stage) spots: these show in the initial stages of damage, whilst the spots are still white the damage can be reversed with fluorosis and sealant to cover cracks and holes
- cavity (holes): this occurs when the damage has gone deeper into the tooth and it seen by the patient when it is in an obvious place.
- hypersensitivity: occurs when the tooth has sustained extensive damage, the patient feels pain on contact with hot susbtance, warm, cold, sweet and sour stimulation
- toothache: shows as pain during chewing, or constant pain and as this point the nerve of the tooth has been affected
Tooth decay usually progresses at a very slow rate, and as such the patient usually only realises the symptoms when the decay has progressed extensively. A dentist is able to detect the progression of tooth decay in it's early stages and stop it's progress.
How is tooth decay resolved?
Depending on the tooth and the extent of the decay the following recosntruction options are possible:
use of the icon method / using white fillings of synthetic resin / with porcelain veneers / a ceramic cap / or a zirconium cap. In serious cases endondontic treatment may be necessary before the reconstruction.
At the VSmile clinic we believe that the best treatment is prevention.
Tooth decay is a contagious disease, there is no way to immunise against. Prevention of tooth decay is done in the following ways:
- good oral hygiene, to remove the sticky and sugary food reminents and microbes from the teeth
- with regular fluorosis, especially for children and high risk patients for tooth decay, the flurosis has an anti-tooth decay affect
- using sealants, that are placed on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to fill cracks and holes and reduce the chance of food reminents remaining in them
- regular dental check-ups and with regular cleaning to remove bacterial plaque
- changing dietary requirement with the main aim at reducing food that contain sugar
High risk patients for tooth decay:
In the list of patients that are at high risk of tooth decay are:
- smoker
- atheletes
- oncology patients that are ungoing radiation therapy around the head and throat area
- special needs patients
- older patients
- patients taking medication that cause dry mouth e.g. sedatives
- patients with bulimnia or anorexia that vomit frequently
- patients that consume fizzy drinks and energy drinks
- patients with unsatisfactory oral hygiene
- users of narcotics
At the VSmile dentist:
The dentist and orthodontist organise a specialised fluorosis program, that includes regular fluorosis at the clicni 3-4 times a year, and the use of fluoride products at home by the patient themselves.
remember! .... teeth go bad when we don't take care of them!
learn more by clicking on the links below
Contact VSmile Dental Clinic
WE'LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR SMILE!
Stamataki Vassiliki, DDS / Dental Surgeon Piraeus Dentistry Association
Kountouriotou 149-151, Peiraias Centre Dimotiko Theatro / 2104120029 / stamataki@vsmile.gr
Cosmetic, Reconstructive & Athletic Dental Surgeon - Smile Design / Implants
Pain Management / Preventative Care for adults, children, the disabled, the pregnant, athletes
Remote Dentistry / Dental Services for all areas of Piraeus, Attica, villages, islands, overseas
Stamataki Vassiliki, DDS / dental clinic / vsmile / Greece
