Thanks to the success of preventive dental hygiene, the oral health of the Swiss population has greatly improved. Which is not to say that cavities have completely disappeared from Swiss mouths!
That’s why we recommend regular check-ups to avoid toothache, which can occur unexpectedly.
At the Lausanne Smile Clinic, we advocate conservative treatment above all else!
We promote conservative treatments wherever possible.
Composite caries treatment
In the case of decay that has not yet affected the pulp (or nerve) of the tooth, we remove the decay (under local anaesthetic) and restore the missing tooth tissue using composite.
Composite, a tooth-coloured filling material, has been the standard for restoring anterior and posterior teeth for many years. Although metal amalgam is still permitted, its use is now extremely rare.
The shade of composite will be carefully selected to reproduce the exact color of your teeth. The final result will be discreet and natural.
In its original state, the composite is entirely malleable. The dentist can therefore ingeniously sculpt the tooth into any shape he or she wishes. As a result, it can easily be used for aesthetic reconstructions and is the material of choice for..:
- treatment of small cavities
- neck fillings
- minor enamel fractures
- minor aesthetic corrections
Inlays and onlays
If it turns out that the “hole” in the tooth is larger, direct restoration with composite may not be sufficient to guarantee the tooth’s long-term survival. In this case, we recommend the fabrication of an onlay. An onlay is a composite or ceramic piece made to measure in the laboratory for each individual tooth. This part is then bonded to the tooth, ensuring greater strength and functionality.
On anterior teeth, if the decay is too severe, a veneer or crown can be made. Find out more about facets here.
In the case of very advanced caries, the nerve of the tooth may be affected, requiring root canal treatment.
Generally speaking, the dentists at Lausanne Smile Clinic apply the principles of microinvasive dentistry. This concept involves preserving healthy tooth tissue as far as possible and using bonded restorations.
