Liječenje karijesa
Treatment
Restore decayed teeth with natural-looking composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your smile, completed in a single comfortable visit.
About the treatment
Cavity treatment, also known as dental filling or restoration, is the process of removing decayed tooth structure and replacing it with a durable, tooth-coloured material that restores the tooth's shape, strength, and function. Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 2.3 billion people, and they are also one of the most straightforward dental problems to treat when caught early. Tooth decay begins when bacteria in dental plaque convert sugars from food and drink into acids. These acids dissolve the mineral content of tooth enamel in a process called demineralisation. If this process outpaces the natural remineralisation from saliva and fluoride, a cavity forms. Initially, decay appears as a white spot on the enamel, but as it progresses, it breaks through into the softer dentin layer beneath, eventually reaching the nerve if left untreated. At BestDent, we use modern composite resin materials that are colour-matched to your natural teeth, making fillings virtually invisible. Unlike the amalgam (silver) fillings of the past, composite resins bond directly to the tooth structure, allowing us to preserve more of your healthy tooth. The material is applied in thin layers, each hardened with a specialized LED curing light, building up a restoration that is strong, aesthetic, and long-lasting. Early treatment is essential. A small cavity caught during a routine check-up can be treated in minutes with no anaesthesia and minimal discomfort. A cavity that is ignored will grow deeper, eventually reaching the nerve and requiring root canal treatment, a crown, or even extraction. The difference between a simple filling and a complex multi-visit treatment often comes down to just a few months of delay.
We can make your smile look great
Restore decayed teeth with natural-looking composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your smile, completed in a single comfortable visit.
Keep your teeth healthy
Your dentist identifies the cavity through visual examination, tactile probing, and digital X-rays. The size, depth, and proximity to the nerve are evaluated to determine the appropriate treatment approach. Early cavities confined to the enamel may sometimes be monitored and remineralised rather than filled.
The benefits of our dental treatments
- Stops the progression of decay before it reaches the tooth nerve and causes serious pain
- Restores full chewing function and eliminates sensitivity on the treated tooth
- Produces a natural, tooth-coloured result that is virtually invisible in your smile
- Preserves more healthy tooth structure than traditional amalgam fillings through adhesive bonding
- Completed in a single visit, typically lasting 20 to 45 minutes per tooth
- Prevents the need for more extensive and invasive treatments like root canals or crowns
- Modern composites are BPA-free, biocompatible, and well-tolerated by the body
- Strengthens the remaining tooth structure through direct chemical bonding
- Allows colour matching to your exact shade for seamless blending with surrounding teeth
- Durable results lasting 7 to 15 years or more with proper care and regular check-ups
Za koga je namijenjeno?
- Patients diagnosed with tooth decay of any size during a dental examination
- Those who notice visible dark spots, holes, or rough areas on their teeth
- Patients experiencing sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweet foods on a specific tooth
- Those with old amalgam fillings that need replacement due to wear, cracks, or aesthetic concerns
- Patients with early-stage cavities detected on routine dental X-rays before symptoms appear
- Those who feel a sharp edge or hole when running their tongue over a tooth
- Patients with chipped or broken teeth where composite bonding can restore the shape
- Those who want to replace dark metal fillings with natural-looking tooth-coloured restorations
- Children and adults with cavities in both primary (baby) and permanent teeth
- Patients whose existing fillings have deteriorated and show signs of leakage or marginal breakdown
Proces Tretmana
Diagnosis and Cavity Assessment
Your dentist identifies the cavity through visual examination, tactile probing, and digital X-rays. The size, depth, and proximity to the nerve are evaluated to determine the appropriate treatment approach. Early cavities confined to the enamel may sometimes be monitored and remineralised rather than filled.
Anaesthesia and Comfort Preparation
For cavities that have reached the dentin layer, local anaesthesia is administered to ensure a completely pain-free experience. A topical numbing gel is applied first so you barely feel the injection. Very small, shallow cavities may not require anaesthesia at all. At BestDent, patient comfort is always the priority.
Decay Removal
Using precision handpieces with diamond or carbide burs, the decayed tooth structure is carefully removed while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible. Caries-detecting dye may be used to distinguish between infected dentin that must be removed and affected dentin that can be preserved. This conservative approach maximises the tooth's long-term strength.
Cavity Preparation and Bonding
The prepared cavity is cleaned, treated with an etching gel to create micro-texture on the enamel and dentin surfaces, rinsed, and then coated with a bonding agent. The bonding agent is cured with an LED light, creating a strong chemical and mechanical bond between the tooth and the upcoming filling material.
Composite Layering and Curing
Tooth-coloured composite resin, carefully selected to match your natural tooth shade, is applied in incremental layers of one to two millimetres each. Each layer is hardened with an LED curing light for 20 to 40 seconds. This layered technique minimises shrinkage stress and ensures a thorough, complete cure throughout the filling.
Bite Adjustment and Shaping
Once the composite has been fully built up, your dentist checks your bite using articulating paper to ensure the filling does not sit too high. The surface is contoured to recreate the natural anatomy of the tooth, including the grooves and cusps that allow efficient chewing.
Final Polishing and Quality Check
The filling is polished to a smooth, glossy finish using a series of progressively finer polishing discs and cups. A well-polished filling resists plaque accumulation, looks natural, and is more comfortable for your tongue. Your dentist performs a final inspection to confirm proper margins, contact with adjacent teeth, and overall aesthetics.
Često Postavljana Pitanja
Is cavity treatment painful?
With modern local anaesthesia, cavity treatment is painless. You may feel a brief pinch during the injection, but the actual procedure is completely comfortable. Small cavities often do not require anaesthesia at all. Post-treatment sensitivity is usually mild and resolves within a few days.
How long does a composite filling last?
Modern composite fillings typically last 7 to 15 years, and many last even longer with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. The longevity depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite forces, and how well you maintain your teeth. Small fillings in low-stress areas can last decades.
Should I replace my old amalgam (silver) fillings?
Amalgam fillings that are intact and functioning well do not necessarily need replacement. However, if they are cracked, leaking, or you are concerned about aesthetics, replacing them with modern composite is an excellent option. Composite fillings are more conservative, tooth-coloured, and mercury-free.
My filling fell out. What should I do?
Contact your dentist as soon as possible. The exposed tooth structure is vulnerable to rapid further decay and sensitivity. In the meantime, keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and you can place temporary dental cement from a pharmacy as a short-term measure until your appointment.
Is sensitivity after a filling normal?
Mild sensitivity to cold, heat, or biting pressure is common for a few days to a few weeks after a filling, particularly for deeper cavities. This usually resolves on its own as the tooth settles. If sensitivity is severe, worsening, or persists beyond four to six weeks, contact your dentist for evaluation.
Can a cavity heal on its own without treatment?
The very earliest stage of decay, visible as a white spot where enamel has demineralised, can sometimes be reversed with fluoride treatment, improved hygiene, and dietary changes. Once a cavity has broken through the enamel surface, it cannot heal and will only progress. Professional treatment is the only solution.
How can I prevent cavities from forming?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional fluoride treatments. Drinking water after meals, chewing sugar-free gum, and using a fluoride mouthwash provide additional protection.
Are tooth-coloured fillings as strong as amalgam?
Modern composite resins have improved dramatically and perform comparably to amalgam in most situations. While amalgam may still have a slight edge in very large restorations on back teeth under heavy bite forces, composite is the preferred choice for the vast majority of cavities due to its adhesive bonding, aesthetics, and conservative preparation.
Can cavities form under existing fillings?
Yes, this is called secondary or recurrent decay. It occurs when bacteria infiltrate microscopic gaps at the margin between the filling and the tooth. Regular dental check-ups with X-rays are essential to detect this type of hidden decay early, before it becomes extensive.
How many cavities can be treated in one appointment?
Multiple small to medium cavities in the same area of the mouth can often be treated in a single appointment. For extensive work across different quadrants, your dentist may recommend splitting treatment over two or more visits for your comfort. Each case is planned individually based on complexity and your preferences.
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