What are the Symptoms of Tooth Lesion?
Dental lesions are damage to the structural integrity of the tooth, usually caused by decay, trauma or infection. Symptoms of these lesions may include discolouration of the tooth, especially in the form of white, brown or black spots, sensitivity when hot or cold things are consumed on the tooth, pain and swelling over time. In addition, bruising or cracks in the tooth, bad odour and taste may also be observed as the decay progresses. Symptoms such as inflammation of the gums around the tooth, bleeding and loosening of the tooth may also indicate advanced stages of dental lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important for the protection of dental health.
What are the Factors Causing Tooth Lesion Formation?
Dental lesions are damages that disrupt the structural integrity of the tooth and can occur for various reasons. There are many factors that lead to the formation of these lesions:
- Inadequate Oral Hygiene: When regular brushing and flossing are missing, plaque and tartar accumulation increases, which can lead to tooth decay and the formation of lesions.
- Acidic Food and Drinks: Acidic foods and drinks damage tooth enamel and can cause lesions to form over time.
- Teeth Clenching and Grinding: This condition, known as bruxism, can cause tooth wear and trigger lesions.
- Excess Sugar Consumption: Excessive consumption of sugary foods leads to bacterial growth in the teeth, which leads to caries and lesions.
- Dental Distress and Injuries: Physical injuries such as falls and bumps can cause lesions on the teeth.
- Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weakening of tooth enamel and the formation of lesions.
- Genetic Factors: In some individuals, the structure of tooth enamel may be weak due to genetic predisposition, which may increase the formation of lesions.
How to Treat Tooth Lesion?
Treatment of a tooth lesion may vary depending on the type and size of the lesion. Small cavities or enamel damage are usually treated with filling treatments performed by a dentist. During this treatment, the affected part of the tooth is cleaned and then filled with the appropriate filling material. Larger lesions may require root canal treatment, especially if the decay has reached the pulp layer. The infection in the root canal of the tooth is cleaned and root canal treatment is performed to maintain the health of the tooth. If the lesion is very advanced and the tooth structure is damaged, the tooth may need to be extracted. In addition, some lesions can also be treated with laser therapy or special solutions applied to the tooth surface. The treatment process is made with a personalised plan according to the condition of the tooth.
How Long Does Tooth Lesion Treatment Take?
The duration of dental lesion treatment can vary depending on the type and size of the lesion and the method of treatment. Small and superficial dental lesions can usually be treated within a few sessions, while deeper and more extensive lesions may require a longer treatment. The dentist may choose various treatment methods depending on the condition of the lesion; these may include filling, root canal treatment or surgical interventions. The duration of treatment can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the method used and the patient's rate of recovery. Regular check-ups and post-treatment care are also important for the success of the process.
Which methods are used in tooth lesion treatment?
Dental lesions are damage to the teeth caused by various reasons, and treatment methods vary depending on the type, size and severity of the lesion. The main methods used to treat dental lesions are as follows:
- Fluor Application: In early stage caries, fluoride can be applied to repair the mineral loss of the tooth. This strengthens the tooth and prevents the progression of caries.
- Fillings (Restorations): When caries progresses, it is necessary to clean the tooth and fill it with appropriate filling material. This method helps to restore the tooth.
- Root Canal Treatment: When the internal structure of the tooth is damaged, the infected tissue is cleaned with root canal treatment and the tooth is made functional again.
- Scaling and Smoothing: In gum lesions, scaling and smoothing reduces inflammation and aids healing.
- Laser Treatment: Laser treatments help to clean caries and lesions on the teeth more precisely. It can also speed up the healing process after treatment.
What happens if a tooth lesion is not treated?
Dental lesions are damage or decay on the surface of the tooth. If left untreated, these lesions can progress over time and damage the deeper layers of the tooth. If left untreated, lesions that initially occur only on the enamel can progress to the dentin layer, which can lead to severe pain and infections. Another risk is that infections can reach the roots of the tooth, which can lead to tooth loss. In addition, untreated tooth lesions can also damage surrounding teeth and negatively affect overall oral health. Therefore, early intervention is very important to prevent tooth loss and serious complications.
Things to Consider After Tooth Lesion Treatment?
There are a few important points to be considered after tooth lesion treatment. Firstly, excessively hot or cold foods and drinks should be avoided during the healing process to avoid damaging the treated area. Also, acidic and hard foods should be avoided as they may put pressure on the treatment area. Medications recommended by the doctor should be used regularly to reduce swelling and pain that may occur after treatment. During the healing process, it is important to pay attention to oral hygiene; however, it should be gentle when cleaning the treated area, hard tooth brushing and flossing may be inconvenient. Regular check-ups are important to evaluate the success of the treatment and to prevent possible complications.
