How to remove caries without drilling?
Caries can be removed from small occlusal (on the occlusal surface) defects with a so-called excavator. This sharp-edged instrument is angled on both sides and has a small shovel-like widening at the end. This works particularly well in the softer tooth area (dentin or dentin).
Larger defects can also be removed with a laser, whereby the “drill noise”, which is often considered annoying, is now missing. However, this procedure is not completely free of sensation. Patients report a slight tingling sensation in the treated tooth.
Another possibility is the so-called infiltration of small, difficult to access areas. Here the tooth is prepared on the surface with the help of a special gel, disinfected with the laser and then the resulting defect is sealed with special filling material. In case of larger defects, however, unfortunately, the diamond drill has to do its job again, because then special shapes have to be brought into the tooth to ensure good adhesion for fillings.
Caries removal with laser
In dentistry, lasers have been used for some time to remove caries from teeth. Their silent application ensures a pleasant climate even before the procedure. However, the bundled light is not completely silent.
Small, short, quiet tacking noises can be heard, but not even the shrill screeching of the drill, which is so feared as a patient. In addition to the possibility of removing caries with lasers, there are also lasers that differ from them in intensity and handling. For example, they can be used to clean the root surface of teeth affected by periodontitis.
Removal of caries in the spaces between the teeth
For the removal of caries in the interdental space, a diamond bur is used to make an access from the occlusal surface, for example in the posterior tooth region. For anterior teeth, access to the palate or tongue is usually preferred. A so-called caries detector can be used for this.
This is a liquid that is applied to the corresponding area of the tooth and rinsed with water after a short exposure time (seconds). It leaves a more or less discolored dentinal area (hard enamel). A metal band matrix (moulded part for placing the filling), which can also be placed here to protect the neighbouring teeth or to facilitate the insertion of the filling material, also serves as a barrier for the infiltration gel when removing caries without a drill.