What
does the treatment involve?
There are four phases to the treatment
- Diagnosis
- The “Treatment” phase-Application of
Ozone
- The “Healing” phase- Re-mineralisation
- The “Repair” phase-Permanent restoration
1. Diagnosis
This is the process of attempting to locate the earliest
stage of tooth decay. This includes visual examination
and scoring. Use of DIAGNOdent® Laser scans, if
necessary, digital x-rays are taken and sometimes a
photographic record is kept. Having determined the nature
and extent of the damage we can prepare a schedule of
treatment and an estimate of the cost.
2. The "Treatment"
phase
Application of the Ozone
Ozone will kill the bacteria causing the dental decay.
Once the bacteria are killed, bacterial acids are no
longer produced. This will stop any further damage.
3. The "Healing"
Phase
Remineralisation or re-hardening of the damaged tooth
The Calcium from the saliva and re-mineralising toothpastes
can soak back into the softened, damaged tooth. This
process is made more efficient in the presence of Fluoride.
The remineralised tooth does not have to be “drilled”
away, and acts as a natural barrier. This process can
take 4-6 weeks.
4. The "Repair"
Phase
Placement of a permanent restoration
- In small lesions this process is not necessary.
- In medium and large lesions the damaged tooth needs
to be repaired.
- Traditional restorations can now be placed over
the healed tooth to restore function. The nature and
size of the restoration depends on the size of the
cavity.
- In adults, very small “white” fillings
which are placed with minimum effort and no pain are
usually sufficient
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