Dental fillings and treatment of deep cavities

KEIT Dental has seven treatment rooms dedicated to dental care, organised to accommodate restorative dentistry, endodontics, implantology, and prosthetic rehabilitation procedures. For the treatment of tooth decay, appropriate diagnostic and restorative instruments allow the dentist to assess the extent of the lesion, identify the affected tooth surfaces, and plan the restoration while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible.

For direct fillings, composite materials and adhesive systems are selected according to the characteristics of the tooth and cavity. The composite is applied, shaped, and hardened using a light-curing lamp, with particular attention to restoring the tooth's anatomical shape, contact points, and chewing surface.

In cases of more extensive decay, such as those requiring a Class II filling, particular attention is paid to restoring the tooth walls and contact points with adjacent teeth. When decay affects the dental pulp and root canal treatment becomes necessary, specialised endodontic instruments are used to prepare, disinfect, and seal the root canals before the definitive restoration.

One of the main advantages of KEIT Dental is its ability to combine dental expertise with the multidisciplinary medical team at KEIT Day Hospital. The clinic works with professionals experienced in restorative dentistry, endodontics, implantology, and dental prosthetics. In particularly complex cases, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and other medical specialists may also be involved, depending on clinical needs.

When treating deep tooth decay, collaboration between professionals allows the assessment of tooth structure, management of any pulp involvement, and subsequent reconstruction to be coordinated. When a simple filling is insufficient, treatment may include root canal therapy involving one or more canals, followed by the most appropriate restoration to protect the tooth and restore its function.

This approach makes it possible to address the patient's different needs through a coordinated treatment plan, prioritising the preservation of the natural tooth whenever clinical conditions allow.

Before performing a dental filling, the dentist assesses the extent of the decay, the condition of the enamel and dentine, any sensitivity or pain, and the surrounding tissues. When indicated, radiographic examinations allow a more detailed assessment of the lesion, help identify interproximal or deep decay, and determine how close the cavity is to the dental pulp.

Particular attention is paid to the amount of remaining healthy tooth structure and the possibility of achieving a stable direct restoration. For Class II cavities, the contact surfaces with adjacent teeth and the need to reconstruct the tooth walls correctly are also assessed. When decay has affected the pulp, the diagnosis helps determine whether endodontic treatment is necessary and assess the anatomy of the root canals requiring treatment.

Thanks to its integration with KEIT Day Hospital, patients with particular medical conditions or those requiring more complex procedures may undergo assessments by anaesthetists, cardiologists, or other specialists, together with any necessary diagnostic evaluations. Treatment planning therefore considers the characteristics of the carious lesion, the possibility of preserving the tooth, and the patient's general health.

One of KEIT Dental's distinguishing features is its in-house dental laboratory, which facilitates direct collaboration between dentists and dental technicians in producing restorations and prosthetic rehabilitations. Conventional composite fillings are generally placed directly by the dentist during the appointment and do not require laboratory involvement.
However, when extensive decay has damaged a significant portion of the tooth structure, or when a tooth requires more complex reconstruction after root canal treatment, an indirect restoration, such as an inlay, onlay, or crown, may be recommended. In these cases, the laboratory contributes to designing a customised restoration in terms of shape, colour, dimensions, and occlusal relationships.
Coordination between the clinic and laboratory allows clinical requirements and technical details to be shared, with particular attention to the precision of fit, restoration stability, chewing function, and aesthetic harmony with the natural teeth.

KEIT Dental follows hygiene and infection control protocols that include disinfecting treatment areas, sterilising instruments, and using disposable materials when indicated. During composite fillings, moisture control and isolation of the treatment area are important for achieving proper adhesion of the restorative material. During root canal treatment, the use of a rubber dam also helps minimise contamination from saliva and bacteria while preparing and sealing the canals.

Integration with KEIT Day Hospital provides additional support for managing complex dental cases. The facility has three equipped operating theatres, specialists in anaesthesia and intensive care, vital signs monitoring systems, and a postoperative resuscitation room.

Dental fillings and root canal treatments are generally performed under local anaesthesia when necessary. However, for more complex dental or oral and maxillofacial procedures, general anaesthesia may be used within the hospital facility when clinically indicated and following an appropriate anaesthetic assessment.

For cases requiring prolonged monitoring or specific postoperative care, admission to KEIT Day Hospital's inpatient wards can also be arranged. These wards are equipped with healthcare staff and monitoring systems. This integration allows treatment to be organised according to the level of care required by the patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure.

At KEIT Dental, patient care continues after treatment through personalised guidance and follow-up appointments scheduled according to clinical needs. After a composite filling, patients receive information about possible temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or pressure, appropriate oral hygiene habits, and precautions to help preserve the restoration.

Subsequent examinations allow the dentist to assess the stability of the filling, the integrity of its margins, contact points between teeth, and occlusion, identifying any signs of leakage, wear, or fracture. When root canal treatment has been performed for deep decay, additional clinical and radiographic examinations may be recommended to monitor the condition of the roots and surrounding tissues.

In complex cases, follow-up care may also involve other specialists from the KEIT team, depending on the patient's needs. For international patients, care may continue after they return to their home country through communication with the clinic and guidance on necessary follow-up appointments.

KEIT Dental places particular emphasis on treatment transparency and clinical documentation. Before a dental filling, patients receive information about the extent of the decay, the proposed procedure, the restorative materials to be used, available alternatives, and the benefits and risks of treatment. In cases of deep decay, the possible need for root canal treatment and subsequent tooth reconstruction is also explained.

Clinical documentation includes diagnostic examinations, the treatment plan, and the procedures performed. The informed consent form and treatment quotation also allow patients to understand the details of the treatment and its associated costs, distinguishing, when necessary, between direct fillings, endodontic procedures, and more complex restorations.

Any applicable guarantee conditions are specified in the contractual documentation, clarifying the coverage provided, exclusions, and arrangements for assistance. The longevity and stability of a filling also depend on the extent of the restoration, chewing forces, oral hygiene, and the individual condition of the tooth. These factors are considered during treatment planning and subsequent follow-up appointments.