Restoration is one of the most commonly used restorative treatments for tooth decay worldwide. In addition to restoring the health of your teeth, it also plays a number of other important roles, such as improving the functioning of the jaw, achieving the proper function of biting, chewing.
Dental fillings not only improve the appearance of teeth, but are also essential for maintaining dental health. Untreated caries can spread further and lead to more serious problems, such as tooth inflammation, tooth loss, or a number of serious health problems. Dental fillings, in turn, prevent the further spread of bacteria and restore the basic functions of the tooth.
What does biomimetic restoration mean?
Biomimetic restoration is a dental intervention aimed at restoring the natural structure and function of teeth as faithfully as possible. Biomimetic filling is a dental filling made with adhesive technique, layered and constructed of microhybrid composite material, lifelike to sound, which follows the natural anatomical, biomechanical and biophysical properties of the teeth. In the treatment of the tooth, the dentist uses materials and techniques that are most similar to natural dentition, for long-term results, in addition to minimizing damage to biological tissues and trying to preserve the original structure of the tooth.
In what cases it is necessary to carry out treatment;
— previous restoration does not close well, allowing bacteria to enter the inside of the tooth
— replacement of old amalgam filling
— in the development of caries
— the previous filling is damaged, broken, discolored, fallen out
— the tooth was injured in an accident
— if the tooth becomes sensitive to cold, hot, sweet or acidic food or drink
— if you experience pain while chewing or even spontaneously
Depending on the degree of caries, there are different ways to restore the structure of the tooth:
- if even the dentin (tooth substance) under the tooth enamel is damaged, this can be restored with an aesthetic filling.
- if the dentition is already damaged, root treatment is required,
in the event that the caries does not extend under the gum, but has already damaged a large area of the tooth surface, it is no longer possible to restore the structure of the tooth with an aesthetic filling, but a so-called inlay, -onlay, is needed. (inlay)
Biomimetic restoration step by step
Step 1: Patient Examination
At the beginning of the procedure, the dentist carefully examines the patient and takes an X-ray. This step allows the dentist to accurately determine the extent and location of caries, as well as the necessary treatment steps.
Step 2: Anesthesia
As the next step in the procedure, the dentist applies local anesthesia to the area to be treated so that the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Before the injection, the area is prepared with anesthetic gel, so that the puncture is also less noticeable.
Step 3: Removing the rotten part
The dentist carefully removes decayed or damaged tooth tissue using fine, precision tools. The procedure aims to maximize the preservation of intact tooth tissue while removing infected parts, thereby ensuring the health and integrity of the tooth in a minimally invasive manner.
Step 4: Applying Adhesive System
After the damaged tissues are removed, the dentist uses a special caustic acid to prepare the tooth surface (etching). Etching creates microscopic pores in the enamel that promote better adhesion of binders. After that, a primer/adhesive layer is applied, which coats the prepared surface and provides a strong bond between the dental tissue and the filling material.
Application of biomimetic sealant
Step 5: Layering Techniques
During the procedure, a light-curing composite material is applied layer by layer into the prepared cavity. Each layer is solidified separately, using a special halogen or LED lamp that emits blue light. This gradual build-up reduces the shrinkage forces and prevents the formation of subsequent movements or cracks.
Step 6: Dentin and Enamel Replacement
The dentist uses special composite materials to restore the dentine layer, the mechanical properties of which are extremely similar to the original dentin. The material is applied gradually, layer by layer, to faithfully imitate the structure of a natural tooth. This layering technique ensures that the tooth regains its original anatomical and biomechanical characteristics, as well as adequate functionality.
Step 7: Anatomical Shaping
After all the layers are in place, the dentist meticulously shapes the filled tooth so that it fits perfectly into the oral cavity and takes the shape of a natural tooth. It uses various refining tools and techniques to make the outer shape and surface of the filling as natural as possible.
Step 8: Checking the occlusion
The dentist will check the bite to make sure that the filling does not interfere with the patient's bite. It does this with the help of special occlusion paper, which shows how the teeth are connected to each other during a bite.
Step 9: Refining and Polishing
The final step is to polish the filling to obtain a smooth and shiny surface, similar to natural tooth enamel. This is not only aesthetic, but also helps to make the filling more resistant to plaque and discoloration.
Biomimetic filling is a step-by-step process that requires careful and precise work aimed at faithfully restoring the original structure and function of the teeth. The materials and techniques used during the procedure guarantee a long-lasting, aesthetically impeccable and functionally reliable end result.
What are the risks if the decayed tooth is not treated?
Tooth infection and abscess formation:Untreated caries can reach the inner parts of the tooth, including the tooth intestine (pulp), which can lead to inflammation and infection. This is often accompanied by abscess formation, which causes a purulent abscess between the tooth and gum, and can be accompanied by severe pain.
Tooth fracture and more serious injuries: Caries weakens the structure of the tooth, increasing the risk of fracture or breakage. Weakened teeth often cannot withstand the demands of daily chewing.
Tooth loss: As the disease progresses, the tooth can be so severely damaged that it must eventually be removed. Tooth loss not only causes an aesthetic problem, but also affects the ability to chew and bite.
Damage to adjacent teeth: An untreated tooth can easily further infect the teeth and tissues next to it, so the health of the entire oral cavity deteriorates.
Effects on general health
Heart diseases: Infections and inflammations of the oral cavity are associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development of heart disease.
Respiratory problems: Bacteria from oral infections can also get into the respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or other respiratory infections.
Diabetes: Untreated dental problems can aggravate diabetes because the body's inflammatory responses and blood sugar control are closely related.
Chewing difficulties: Untreated decayed teeth cause difficulty chewing, which can be a problem when eating foods that require thorough chewing and can lead to indigestion.
How to prevent tooth decay?
One of the most important pillars of caries prevention is maintaining proper oral hygiene. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acids and bacteria. In addition, the use of dental floss or dental floss cleaner is essential; floss and dental floss cleaner will help remove plaque and food debris from the teeth and under the gums where the bristles of the toothbrush do not reach. Mouthwashes can also be helpful because they reduce plaque and kill harmful bacteria — especially fluoride mouthwashes, which provide additional protection.
A healthy diet is also central to the prevention of tooth decay. Consumption of foods and drinks that are high in sugar increases the risk of caries, so it is worth limiting their intake. After meals, if we do not have the opportunity to brush our teeth immediately, it is worth chewing sugar-free chewing gum, which stimulates the production of saliva and thus neutralizes the acids in the mouth. A balanced diet, which includes many fruits, vegetables and foods rich in fiber, contributes not only to the health of our teeth, but also to our overall well-being.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for the early detection and treatment of caries. Every six months it is worth visiting the dentist, who will carefully examine the condition of the teeth and intervene if necessary. Professional cleanings also remove tartar and plaque in areas that we do not have access to at home. In addition, the dentist may recommend fluoride treatments and groove sealing, especially for children, to provide additional protection for the teeth.
Other preventive measures include consuming adequate amounts of water, which helps eliminate food residues and sugar after meals, and also stimulates saliva production. Saliva naturally protects teeth against acids and bacteria, so it is important to drink enough fluids.
Thus, caries prevention can be achieved through several strategies: maintaining proper oral hygiene, a healthy diet and regular dental check-ups. If we follow these principles, we can maintain the health of our teeth and avoid future dental problems.