Gangnam Station Dental Clinic Case of Re-treatment with Composite Resin for Secondary Decay in the Treated Area

Would my case also be posted on the blog?

Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

During treatment, the patient apparently asked one of our doctors.

When we asked whether something was bothering him... he replied, “I want to be featured on the director’s blog!”

And here it is, being posted today! haha

Today’s patient is a 40-year-old man. He said that the area treated with composite resin at another dental clinic three years ago chipped and fell out about a month ago.

In the end, we were able to restore it again with composite resin without a crown, preserving the natural tooth structure. Let me explain in a little more detail!

Why decay occurred again in the previously treated area Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

At the time of his visit, the tooth looked fine on the outside, but there were signs that bacteria had entered beneath the existing composite resin after it came off.

Date taken: 251020

This is called secondary decay. If it is not properly treated, the bond can break, bacteria can enter through the gap, and decay can occur again.

Date taken: 251020

The fractured area was larger than expected, which was concerning.

After removing the existing material and checking the tooth, I was relieved to find that the damage had not reached the nerve, so I determined that it could be sufficiently restored with composite resin without covering it with a crown.

I always start by thinking, “How can I save this tooth while removing as little as possible?” This time, I approached it with that same philosophy 😄

A plan to preserve the natural tooth with minimal removal Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

The major advantage of composite resin is “minimal removal.” Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

Only the necessary parts can be removed very carefully, while preserving as much of the tooth’s original structure as possible.

Date taken: 251020

On the other hand, inlays and crowns have to cover the entire tooth whether or not there is decay, so a lot more of the natural tooth must be removed.

Since a tooth that has been removed once cannot be restored, I always treat patients with the mindset of “let’s protect it if we can” 😊

So this time as well, instead of going with a crown, we decided to try saving it again with a composite resin buildup.

There is no treatment that removes less tooth structure than this material, so I really... really love composite resin 🫰

Moisture control is essential for composite resin restoration Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

Composite resin is a material that is vulnerable to moisture.

If even a little saliva touches it, the bond weakens. It is a good material for preserving teeth, but it is very sensitive(?), so if it is not handled properly, it can come off quickly.

So we performed complete isolation with a rubber dam. Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

Some people find it inconvenient because it is a bit of a hassle and makes the treatment take longer, but I consider it the most important principle in composite resin restoration.

Date taken: 251020

After thoroughly removing the decayed area, I used Se-bond to create an adhesive layer and built it up in multiple layers.

After curing each layer with light to harden it, we created a texture and color that matched the natural tooth ^^

So that no one could tell where the composite resin had been placed Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

This treatment was not simply about reattaching a fallen restoration; it was a treatment that preserved the tooth.

Date taken: 251020

We were able to maintain the tooth’s shape and function without root canal treatment or a crown.

These days, many people seem to think of dental treatment as something to “replace.” Gangnam Station Dental Clinic

It is really disheartening that many people take it lightly, saying things like, “If it hurts, just pull it and put in an implant.”

Since a tooth that has been shaved down once does not regenerate, I always practice with the question in mind: “How can I restore it while protecting the remaining tooth structure?”

Date taken: 251020

So, in a case like this one, when we can help preserve the natural tooth with minimal removal without root canal treatment, it is truly rewarding and gives me a sense of accomplishment haha

Preserve the tooth if it can be saved.

Whenever it is possible to restore the natural tooth instead of covering it with a crown, as in this case, I always choose that path.

If you want to save your tooth, you can make a simple and quick reservation by pressing the button below 😊

This has been Director Sohyunsoo. Thank you.

👇🏻 Quick Reservation 👇🏻

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• Depending on the individual, symptoms such as a feeling of foreign body sensation or discomfort in the bite may appear temporarily, and in rare cases additional treatment may be necessary.

Treatment period: 251020 - 251020