Seven things that can happen if you have a dental cavity

Dental cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. Here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a dental cavity:

1. Toothache: Spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause.

2. Tooth Sensitivity: Mild to sharp pain when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

3. Visible Holes or Pits in Your Teeth: These may be small and dark in appearance.

4. Pain When You Bite Down: This can indicate decay has reached the dentin, where nerves are more sensitive.

5. Staining on the Surface of a Tooth: Stains can appear as black, white, or brown spots and can signify decay.

6. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste could be a sign that cavities are present.

7. Swelling or Abscess: In advanced cases, swelling of the gum near a sore tooth or a visible abscess might occur.

It's important to note that in the early stages, cavities may have no symptoms at all, and only a dental professional can detect them. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment of cavities before they develop into more serious issues. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's advisable to visit a dentist for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.

What are refractory porcelain veneers

Refractory porcelain veneers are a type of dental veneer made using a specific technique that involves the use of a refractory die. These veneers are crafted from porcelain and are used to improve the aesthetics of teeth by addressing issues like discoloration, chips, or misalignment. The process of making refractory porcelain veneers is quite intricate and differs from other veneer fabrication methods:

1. Impression and Model Creation:

- Initially, an impression and scan of the patient’s teeth is taken. From this impression and scan, a model of the teeth is made.

2. Refractory Die:

- A refractory die is created from the model. This die is a heat-resistant replica of the patient's teeth, which can withstand the high temperatures needed for firing porcelain.

- The refractory die material is designed to not distort under these high temperatures, ensuring a precise fit.

3. Layering of Porcelain:

- The veneer is built up directly on the refractory die by layering porcelain. This process allows for detailed customization in terms of shape, size, color, and translucency, closely mimicking the natural appearance of teeth.

- The porcelain is applied in layers and sculpted to the desired form.

4. Firing:

- After the porcelain is applied, the veneer (still on the refractory die) is fired in a kiln at high temperatures. The high heat causes the porcelain to harden and achieve its final strength and esthetic qualities.

- This process might be repeated several times with additional layering and firing to achieve the desired aesthetic results.

5. Removal and Finishing:

- Once the final firing is complete, the veneer is removed from the refractory die. It is then polished and finalized for fitting.

6. Application to Teeth:

- Similar to other porcelain veneers, the tooth surface is prepared by removing a small amount of enamel. This preparation helps in accommodating the veneer and ensures a strong bond.

- The veneer is then bonded to the tooth using a resin cement.

The advantage of refractory porcelain veneers lies in their excellent aesthetic properties. The layering technique and the materials used allow for a high degree of translucency and color control, closely mimicking natural teeth. This method is particularly valued for its ability to create veneers that are both strong and lifelike.

However, the process is labor-intensive and requires a high level of skill from the dental technician. It's generally more time-consuming and expensive than other methods of veneer fabrication. The decision to use refractory porcelain veneers depends on the specific aesthetic needs and preferences of the patient, as well as the recommendation of the dental professional.

About E.Max crowns

An Emax crown, short for lithium disilicate glass-ceramic crown, is a popular choice in cosmetic and restorative dentistry due to its exceptional strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Made from a high-quality, translucent material, Emax crowns closely mimic the natural appearance of teeth, providing a seamless blend with the surrounding dentition. These crowns are renowned for their superior strength, making them suitable for both anterior and posterior teeth. Additionally, Emax crowns require minimal tooth preparation compared to traditional crowns, preserving more of the natural tooth structure. With their ability to withstand biting forces and resist fracture, Emax crowns offer long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solutions for dental restoration needs.

The process of making and placing an e.Max crown involves several steps:

1. Tooth Preparation:

- Similar to other crowns, the first step involves preparing the tooth. This includes removing any decay and shaping the tooth for the crown.

2. Impression and Scans:

- An impression and scan of the prepared tooth and adjacent teeth is taken, with traditional modified impressions materials or digitally.

3. Fabrication of the e.Max Crown:

- The impression and scan is used to create a precise imprint or digital model for the crown.

- e.Max crowns can be made in two ways:

- Pressed: The lithium disilicate glass-ceramic is heated and pressed into an imprint

- CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing): The crown is milled from a single block of lithium disilicate ceramic using precise digital equipment.

4. Layering and Customisation:

- The crown can be layered with additional porcelain to match the color and translucency of the natural teeth.

- This layering technique adds to the aesthetic quality, making e.Max crowns highly suitable for front teeth where appearance is crucial.

5. Fitting and Adjustments:

- After the crown is made, the dentist checks its fit, ensuring proper alignment with the bite and adjacent teeth.

- Adjustments are made as necessary.

6. Cementing the Crown:

- Once a proper fit is confirmed, the crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth.

7. Quality Considerations:

- The quality of e.Max crowns can vary based on the skill and expertise of the lab technicians and the quality of materials used.

- High-quality labs use precise techniques and high-grade materials to ensure the crown is durable, fits well, and matches the aesthetics of natural teeth.

- Some crowns may be offered at lower costs, often due to cheaper materials or less precise manufacturing processes. These might not have the same level of durability, fit, or aesthetic appeal.

- Quality can also vary internationally based on the standards and regulations in different countries.

When considering an e.Max crown, it's important to discuss with your dentist not just the cost but also the quality of the lab work. A well-made e.Max crown from a reputable lab should provide a combination of strength, longevity, and a natural appearance, making it a popular choice for both front and back teeth.