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Caries repair without drilling?

The health of our teeth is of the utmost importance to maintain a beautiful smile and overall well-being. However, nearly half of the Swiss population struggles with cavities at least once in their lifetime, also known as "holes in the teeth." In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deeply into the topic of cavities and, in particular, the innovative Caries Repair treatment offered by ALPINE WHITE.

Andrea Seraina Author
Andrea Seraina
Dental Content Specialist
01/16/20249 min. reading time
caries, tooth enamel, toothache, tooth brushing, dental floss, oral hygiene, dental health, interdental spaces, professional tooth cleaning, fluoride, initial stage, food residues, gums, tooth surface, discolouration, dentin, bad breath, tooth substance, dental hygiene, dental care, caries repair, fillings, cavities, drilling, small cavities, early stage, tooth filling, initial caries, tooth decay, tooth cavity, deep caries, Alpine White

Causes of Tooth Decay

The development of tooth decay is a complex process influenced by several factors. Below, we will explain the main causes of tooth decay in more detail:

Dietary Habits

Dietary habits play a significant role in the development of tooth decay, with the consumption of sugary foods being a major risk factor. Sugar serves as a food source for harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that can attack tooth enamel. To prevent bad breath and food residue on the chewing surfaces of teeth, thorough oral hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing after meals and the use of dental floss are essential practices. Reducing the consumption of sugary beverages and opting for a balanced diet with minimal sugar can help protect your dental health.

Lack of Oral Hygiene

Inadequate oral hygiene is another critical factor contributing to the development of tooth decay and bad breath. This includes irregular tooth brushing and neglecting to use dental floss. When we do not thoroughly clean our teeth, plaque can accumulate—a sticky substance containing bacteria—on tooth surfaces and in between teeth. The bacteria in plaque also utilize sugar from our diet to produce acids that damage enamel and lead to the formation of dental plaque.

To improve oral hygiene and prevent bad breath, we recommend regular professional dental cleaning at the ALPINE WHITE Studio. We remove stubborn tartar and help thoroughly clean the oral cavity. It is important to pay attention to cleaning the interdental spaces carefully, as they are often neglected and can be a breeding ground for plaque. Good oral hygiene is crucial for protecting tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay.

Be inspired by our ALPINE WHITE home care products as well. From our elegant toothbrush with gentle bristles to our effective whitening toothpaste and much more.

Bacteria

Bacteria, especially harmful cavity-causing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, play a key role in the development of tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities. These bacteria have the ability to convert sugar into acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to demineralization. Controlling the activity of these cavity-causing bacteria is crucial for maintaining enamel health and preventing plaque formation.

To receive a detailed assessment of your entire oral flora, ALPINE WHITE offers a bacteria analysis. This analysis covers all relevant bacteria in the oral cavity, including the conditions of teeth, gums, and oral mucosa.

Fluoride Deficiency

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining dental health. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks. A deficiency of fluoride in the diet or in dental care can increase the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, fluoride is commonly used in toothpaste and mouthwash to promote protection against tooth decay.

Through a combination of a healthy diet, thorough oral hygiene, the use of fluoride-containing toothpaste, and regular professional examinations at the ALPINE WHITE Studio, we can help minimize the risk of tooth decay and preserve the health of your teeth.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can cause a variety of symptoms that may vary depending on the stage of decay. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of tooth decay:

Pain and Sensitivity

In the early stages of tooth decay, there may be no symptoms. However, as the decay progresses and penetrates deeper into the tooth enamel, tooth pain and sensitivity can occur, especially when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. These are often the initial signs of tooth decay.

Discoloration and Stains

Tooth decay can lead to discoloration and stains on the surface of the tooth. The affected areas may appear yellowish, brown, or even black. These discolorations are often an indication that small cavities have formed in the tooth, and the enamel is damaged. Over time, these discolorations may darken.

Gum Inflammation

Advanced tooth decay can lead to inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. When decay reaches the inner part of the tooth and affects the tooth nerve, it can irritate the gums, leading to swelling, redness, gum bleeding, and potentially abscesses. This is a sign that the tooth decay should be treated to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

Visible Holes or Cracks

In advanced cases of tooth decay, actual holes or cracks may appear in the teeth, which are visible to the naked eye. If tooth decay is left untreated, these holes can become larger and further weaken the tooth, including the tooth root.

It's important to note that in the early stages, tooth decay is often asymptomatic and does not cause pain. Therefore, regular dental hygiene visits are of great importance in detecting and treating tooth decay early before it worsens. If any of the above symptoms occur or if you notice signs of inadequate oral hygiene, it's advisable to visit an ALPINE WHITE Studio promptly to maintain your dental health.

Traditional Caries Treatment

Traditional caries treatment typically consists of two main components:

Drilling

When a tooth is affected by caries, the infected tooth material must be removed, usually through drilling. This step is necessary to eliminate the infected tissue and ensure that no further areas of decay are present. Drilling can be uncomfortable and may cause pain for some patients.

Fillings

After the caries has been removed, the dentist fills the resulting gap with a filling material such as amalgam or composite resin. These fillings can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, depending on the individual needs of the patient.

This conventional caries treatment can be uncomfortable for some patients, as it is associated with pain, discomfort, and potential aesthetic issues. Furthermore, the removal of healthy tooth material can compromise the structural integrity of the tooth.

For these reasons, many patients seek less invasive and pain-free alternatives for caries treatment, such as the innovative Caries Repair treatment offered by ALPINE WHITE. This treatment can effectively address initial caries without pain and without the need for drilling. This preventive approach prevents the necessity for procedures like root canals, tooth extraction, or the use of dental prosthetics such as crowns, implants, or dental fillings in the future. Taking care of caries in its early stages can help avoid costly visits to the dentist's office.

In the next section, we will be happy to provide you with information on the innovative approach to caries treatment: Caries Repair.

Caries Repair Without Drilling and Pain

What is Caries Repair?

Caries Repair is an innovative and gentle alternative to traditional caries treatment. Thanks to our ALPINE WHITE caries repair treatment, it is possible to regenerate dental hard tissue. This gentle method allows for the treatment of initial caries, white spots, and demineralization – without drilling, without anesthesia, and without discomfort.

How Does Caries Repair Work?

Caries Repair at ALPINE WHITE is based on a gentle remineralization of the tooth enamel. The treatment begins with a careful cleaning and preparation of the tooth surface to remove all bacteria. Afterward, a special repair material is applied, which needs to act for several minutes to repair and strengthen the tooth enamel. This innovative method can restore the hardness of the tooth enamel to a depth of up to eight times greater than conventional fluorides.

Advantages of Caries Repair

Caries Repair offers many advantages. Our method not only stops caries but also preserves natural tooth structure. Compared to invasive treatments like drilling and fillings, which may not always seal microscopically ideally, our method provides an effective and less burdensome alternative. It is cost-efficient and prevents future costly dental treatments while halting the demineralization of tooth enamel.

The success rate of Caries Repair can be impressive, especially when combined with good oral hygiene, reaching up to 93%. This allows for a complete regeneration of tooth enamel and an improvement in dental health.

Another remarkable feature of this method is its ability to restore the hardness of tooth enamel up to eight times deeper than conventional fluorides. This not only treats visible damage but also leads to comprehensive improvement in dental health.

Summarized Benefits of Caries Repair:

  • Remineralization of the tooth
  • Pain-free without drilling and injections
  • Prevention of further tooth decay
  • Addresses deep caries down to the inner dentin
  • Prevents expensive future dental visits

Cost of Caries Repair Treatment

Caries Repair at ALPINE WHITE is an additional service that can be added to your dental hygiene or oral health check. The costs for Caries Repair start at CHF 95. For more information, please visit our website or consult with our experienced dental hygienists on-site.

alpine white, dental hygiene, healthy teeth, professional teeth cleaning, alpine white studio, Zurich, Switzerland
Dental Hygiene
€185

For a healthy mouth and beautiful teeth, regular professional teeth cleaning is essential. Our specialists detect early signs of caries and prevent them.

  • Personalised dental hygiene
  • Gum check & caries control
  • Painless cleaning with AIRFLOW

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we have explored the main causes of dental caries, as well as the symptoms and traditional caries treatment. Dental caries is a widespread issue that affects many of us, and conventional treatment can be painful and invasive. However, there is an innovative alternative - Caries Repair by ALPINE WHITE. This method relies on the remineralization of tooth enamel and preserves natural tooth structure without drilling or painful procedures. Caries Repair offers numerous benefits, including a high success rate, the ability to restore the hardness of tooth enamel deeply, and the prevention of future costly dental treatments. Your dental health is of the utmost importance, and with Caries Repair, you can protect it while maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile.

Book your appointment with ALPINE WHITE today and experience the future of oral health.

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