Caries is a pathological process that destroys the tooth tissue and leads to the development of complications in surrounding tissues.
There are several classifications of this disease - by localization, topographic principles, severity and the occurrence of the process. But dentists are more likely to use the classification of Black or the classification of the location of the carious cavity (localization). The fifth class in this classification is the cervical caries. This type of caries is one of the most dangerous, precisely in view of its placement.
Causes of ciliary caries
Cervical caries is formed in the region of the neck of the tooth, close to the gum and closer to the border of the crown enamel with the root. Anatomically, this place is worse to be cleansed, because the proximity of the gums creates an increased risk of traumatization of soft tissues. In addition, between the gum and the tissues of the tooth, a kind of pocket is formed, into which the remains of food are stuffed. Then these residues begin to decompose and release lactic acid. This leads to demineralization of the enamel and the formation of carious cavities. And given that the thickness of the enamel in the tooth region is much thinner than on the chewing surface of the crown, this process develops faster.
Stages of development of cervical caries
Caries of the cervical region passes through several stages in its development:
- Initial caries or mint stage. Such a stage is not accompanied by any symptoms, but the area of the enamel of a changed color is outwardly defined, without the inherent shine and rough during instrumental examination. Treatment of such cervical caries is usually conservative.
- Superficial caries. This stage is already accompanied by the first complaints, because the integrity of the enamel is already broken. The patient can complain about short-term pains from hot or cold, sweet, sour and salty food tastes. At this stage, the process is moving fast enough and goes into the next stage.
- Average caries. This is destruction within the enamel. The cavity is clearly visualized upon examination. Painful symptoms intensify, food starts to get stuck in the tooth. The middle cervical caries is diagnosed from a deep and from a wedge-shaped defect by examination, x-ray photography or staining with special dyes.
- Deep caries. The stage is characterized by an even greater increase in symptoms, the tooth can react even to cold air. The carious process spreads deeper than the enamel, onto the dentin, the cavity can spread to the root of the tooth, under the gum. Fortunately, every dentist knows how to cure cervical caries at this stage.
How to treat cervical caries?
Treatment of the second, third and fourth stages of cervical caries occurs according to a similar scenario:
- Using a drill, the dentist removes damaged tissue. This can be done with or without anesthesia, with little sensitivity.
- Then the cavity of the tooth is restored with filling materials. Since the cervical region is difficult to access, in our time
dentists use the most up-to-date materials. They not only provide an aesthetic function, but also prevent the occurrence of secondary caries in this area.
Prophylaxis of cervical caries
Methods of preventing cervical caries are simple. These include:
- regular oral hygiene ( brush twice a day with a suitable brush and paste, and between snacks with rinses, flosses, dental rubbers, twice a year professional cleaning at the dentist);
- reduction of simple carbohydrates in the diet;
- balanced nutrition (a sufficient number of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins).