By Dr Kenmo R.
Tooth decay remains the most widespread chronic disease in the world. But its treatment has radically changed: aesthetic composites, painless anesthesia, minimally invasive care. Here are the steps.
1. Diagnosis
An early cavity does not hurt — that\'s why an annual check-up is crucial. We detect it via visual exam + probing + bitewing X-ray that shows cavities between teeth not visible to the eye.
The stages
- Stage 1: white spot in enamel (reversible with fluoride)
- Stage 2: visible cavitation (needs treatment)
- Stage 3: dentin involvement (cold/sugar pain)
- Stage 4: pulp involvement (toothache → root canal)
2. Anesthesia
For stages 2-3, local anesthesia at the tooth level. With a modern syringe and pre-warmed anesthetic, the injection is painless — you\'ll only feel a light pinch.
3. Curettage
We remove decayed tissue with a high-speed diamond bur + a caries detector (dye). Goal: remove what\'s rotten, keep maximum healthy tooth.
« Modern dentistry is: preserve, preserve, preserve. Every millimeter of healthy tooth saved is years of longevity gained. »
4. Restoration
We fill the cavity with a resin composite — same color as the tooth, polymerized by LED lamp. Final polish for an imperceptible finish. No more mercury amalgam.
5. Post-care advice
- Wait for anesthesia to wear off (1-2h) before eating to avoid biting your lip
- Mild sensitivity possible 24-48h, especially to cold
- Resume normal brushing same evening
- If pain persists > 5 days: come back for review
How long?
Simple care: 20 to 30 minutes. Complex care (deep cavity, multi-surface restoration): 45 to 60 minutes. Most often a single session.
And after?
A treated cavity is as solid as a healthy tooth — provided good hygiene. Without habit change, a new cavity can appear on the neighboring tooth in 12-24 months.
