Catch tooth decay early and the fix is usually simple; leave it and the treatment grows. Dr Steven Rostkier treats decay at every stage at our Balwyn practice.
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Tooth decay is what happens when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid. That acid gradually wears through the hard outer layer of the tooth (the enamel), then the softer layer underneath (the dentine), and if it is not treated it can reach the nerve in the centre of the tooth.
You can think of it a bit like rust working through metal. The longer it has been going, the more of the tooth it has eaten through, and the more involved the repair becomes.
Tooth decay is very common, and it is rarely caused by one thing on its own. The usual risk factors are:
If a few of these apply, you are not alone. Most adults have had decay at some point, and the goal is catching it early enough that treatment stays small.
Decay does not happen all at once, it moves through stages. The earlier we catch it, the simpler and less costly the fix.
The good news: there is an effective treatment at every stage, and the earlier we catch it the simpler it is.
Treatment is matched to the stage of decay. There is no one-size answer, and Dr Rostkier walks you through the options before any decision.
For very early enamel damage with no cavity yet, the right call is often improved home care, a fluoride application, and a watching brief at your next check-up and clean.
Once a cavity has formed, a white (composite) filling is the standard treatment. They are tooth-coloured, blend with your natural tooth, and are usually completed in a single visit.
When decay has destroyed too much of the tooth for a filling alone, a crown or onlay is needed. Dr Rostkier uses CAD-CAM technology for a precise digital fit, with the restoration made on-site in suitable cases.
When decay reaches the nerve, a root canal saves the tooth by removing the damaged inner tissue. Dr Rostkier uses rotary endodontic instruments, which make the process faster and more comfortable than older manual techniques.
If decay has gone too far and the tooth cannot be saved, extraction is the last option, followed by a conversation about replacement options.
Dr Rostkier's approach is preventative first. Most decay is preventable with consistent basics: brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, going easy on sugary snacks between meals, and a professional clean every six months. We were one of Victoria's first dedicated hygiene departments, running for nearly 30 years. A regular hygiene visit catches the early signs of decay long before you would feel anything.
Decay often produces no obvious symptoms until it has progressed past the easy-to-fix stage. A check-up is the only way to know for sure, and Dr Rostkier’s appointments are unhurried, so there is time to ask questions and understand what is going on. HICAPS for on-the-spot health fund claims, payment plans available.
Catching something early is always better. That is what check-ups are for.
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