Composite Filling
It is a treatment method applied to restore teeth. This method is generally used in the treatment of teeth that have lost material due to caries. It is the process of filling the cavities formed in the tooth with various materials after the tooth decay is cleaned. Rarely, it is preferred to repair broken teeth. It is aimed to restore the function of the tooth, restore aesthetics, stop the progression of caries and maintain the vitality of the tooth.
Composite filling is the application of tooth-colored composite to repair a decayed, cracked or discolored tooth. Composite fillings can also be used to close spaces between teeth, make teeth appear longer, or change the shape and/or color of teeth. The bonding of the composite filling material to the tooth tissue is provided by adhesive materials (bonding).
The expectation from the treatment is to stop the progression of the caries, to relieve the pain if it is present, to preserve the vitality of the tooth, to continue the chewing function, and to have the restoration compatible with natural teeth and aesthetics.
The duration of use of the filling is directly proportional to the oral hygiene of the patient. It should not be forgotten that new caries (secondary caries) may form under the existing fillings of individuals with poor oral hygiene over time. In case the filling falls or breaks, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent rapid substance losses.
Capping Treatment (Vital Pulp Treatments)
If the tooth tissue loss is too much after the removal of the decayed and weakened parts of the tooth, the probability of the restoration being close to the vein and nerve tissue (pulp) in the inner part of the tooth increases. In such cases, it may be necessary to cover the pulp and this process is called capping. If the pulp tissue is approached but the vessels and nerves are not exposed (not perforated), the treatment applied is called indirect capping treatment. If the pulp tissue is perforated in one place (if the tissue is exposed) and the perforated area is smaller than the head of a pin, capping treatment can be performed and this process is called direct capping treatment. If the pulp tissue containing the vascular nerve package is perforated to cover an area larger than the head of the pin, or if it is perforated in several places regardless of its size, if it is perforated from the side of the pulp chamber, or if it is determined with symptoms (with symptoms such as pain) that the tooth is permanently affected Root canal treatment may be unavoidable.
In some cases, persistent or increasing sensitivities may develop following capping and filling treatments. In such cases, if the vitality of the tooth still gives positive results in the tests, it may be possible to replace the restoration. However, if the vitality test also gives a negative result, if there is pain in the tooth when the tooth is examined with percussion, if there is a complaint of spontaneous and long-lasting pain, if the tooth wakes the patient at night with pain, or if the patient describes that he has a pulsating pain, root canal treatment should be performed.
Teeth Whitening (Tooth Bleaching / Bleaching)
Tooth color is individual and, like skin color, each case has a unique tooth color. Teeth may differ in their natural color, starting from off-white and darkening towards more yellow and gray tones. Like the tone differences of the teeth, the light transmittance also varies from person to person. While some teeth transmit the light a lot and the tips show a more transparent appearance, some teeth show a more opaque appearance with a saturated state that does not transmit light at all. The tooth tone to be determined before the whitening process indicates how much the tooth can whiten after the whitening process. The structure of the tooth is as important as its tone. The enamel and dentin structure of some teeth is perfect. However, there are visible differences, fluctuations, white, gray or brown spots and/or lines in the structure of some teeth. These structural differences affect the image after the procedure. In very rare cases, there may be cases where the procedure is not appropriate, such as excessive enamel hypoplasia.
There are two basic methods for teeth whitening. The first of these is home bleaching systems (Home Bleaching). The second is the office systems (Office Bleaching) applied under the control of a doctor in the clinic. The two methods can be applied separately or together (combined). Studies have reported that more permanent and effective results are obtained in cases where both methods are used together.
Home bleaching systems are generally used at night while sleeping. In the light of the recommendations of the brand used, the duration of use may vary. Transparent plaques prepared to be suitable for teeth are needed for home whitening drugs to be applied. In preparation for the application, the physician presents the thin transparent silicone-like mouthpieces that he/she prepares individually by taking measurements from the lower and upper jaws of the patient. Tooth bleach to be used by the patient in the cold chain.