Tooth decay treatment in Torrevieja
Tooth Decay Treatment in Torrevieja
Tooth decay — dental caries — is the slow breakdown of a tooth by acid-producing bacteria in plaque. Left alone, it works from the enamel into the dentine and, eventually, the nerve — turning what could have been a quick filling into root canal treatment, or an extraction. Catching it early keeps treatment simple.
Why patients trust AP-Denta
in Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca
of a well-placed filling
can catch decay while it's small
We treat decay with whatever's least invasive for the stage it's at — from ICON resin infiltration for the earliest white-spot lesions (no drilling, no injection) through to fillings, inlays, and root canal treatment once it's gone further.
AP-Denta serves the whole Costa Blanca, with many English-speaking patients from Orihuela Costa, La Zenia, and Ciudad Quesada. Free parking is right outside the clinic.
We welcome patients from:
What causes tooth decay
Decay starts with plaque — a sticky film of bacteria that builds up wherever food debris isn't cleared away, especially along the gumline and between teeth. The bacteria feed on sugars and starches and produce acid as a by-product; the acid dissolves the enamel, and a cavity forms. Diet, general oral health, and how thorough your daily hygiene is all affect how fast this happens.
Signs and stages
Decay often causes no discomfort early on, and doesn't always look like the "black hole" people expect. Most patients only find out at a check-up — or once it's reached the nerve and started to hurt.
White spot stage Earliest
A faint white or yellowish patch on the enamel, barely visible and painless — usually only picked up at a check-up, and the one stage that can sometimes be reversed rather than filled.
Surface decay Enamel
The enamel turns rough and pitted, and the patch may darken to white or brown. No cavity yet, but the surface is breaking down.
Moderate decay Dentine
Decay reaches the dentine beneath the enamel and forms a proper cavity — a "hole" most patients can spot themselves, sometimes with mild sensitivity.
Deep decay Advanced
The cavity reaches deep into the dentine, close to the nerve, and can cause sharp pain or pulpitis — inflammation of the nerve.
What happens if it's left untreated
Untreated decay eventually reaches the nerve, causing pulpitis, and — if it spreads — periodontitis around the root. Both are painful, and both need treating before any filling or crown can go ahead. The infection doesn't always stay contained, either: long-standing dental infections have been linked to problems with the ears, nose and throat, stomach, kidneys, liver and heart.
Decay affects baby teeth too, and it's worth treating even though the tooth will eventually fall out — an untreated cavity in a baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth forming underneath it. Fissure sealants are a simple way to protect a child's back teeth as they come through.
Treatment options
Which one fits depends on the stage the decay has reached — we always use the least invasive option that will actually hold.
ICON infiltration No drilling
At the white-spot stage: a resin infiltrates the porous enamel with no drilling and no anaesthetic. More on ICON caries infiltration.
Fillings Most common
For surface and moderate decay: the decayed tissue is removed and rebuilt with light-cured composite resin, typically lasting 3 to 8 years. More on fillings and tooth restoration.
Inlays Larger cavities
Once more than about half the tooth is gone, a composite filling won't hold up long-term. A ceramic or precious-metal inlay, made to fit the cavity, lasts longer.
Root canal treatment Reaches the nerve
Once decay causes pulpitis, this removes the infected tissue, cleans and seals the canals, and the tooth is rebuilt afterwards. More on endodontics.
Crowns Weakened tooth
When a tooth is too broken down for a filling or inlay, a porcelain or zirconia crown covers and protects it — often the final step after root canal treatment. More on dental crowns.
Tooth extraction Last resort
Only when a tooth is beyond repair. We'll always talk through replacement options — a bridge or an implant — before the gap lets neighbouring teeth drift.
Preventing tooth decay
- Brush twice a day and floss daily — plaque left in place feeds the bacteria that cause decay
- Cut back on sugary food and drinks between meals, not just at meals
- Use a fluoride toothpaste to help re-strengthen weakening enamel
- Fissure sealants for children's back teeth as they come through
- A check-up twice a year, so decay is caught while it's small — and cheap to treat
How long each treatment takes
A rough guide, for adults and children alike — the exact number of visits depends on the tooth and how far the decay has gone.
| Treatment | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
| ICON infiltration | One visit, no injection needed |
| Fluoride treatment / fissure sealants | One short visit — often combined with a check-up |
| Composite filling | One visit |
| Ceramic inlay | Two visits (impression, then fitting) |
| Root canal treatment | One to three visits, depending on the tooth |
| Crown | Two visits — preparation, then fitting |
| Tooth extraction | One visit, plus a follow-up if stitches need removing |
Frequently asked questions
Does tooth decay always hurt?
No. Early decay is usually painless and often only found at a check-up. Pain generally means it's reached the dentine or the nerve.
How long does a filling last?
Typically 3 to 8 years, depending on the material and your oral hygiene. It can fail sooner if the seal breaks down or new decay develops around it.
Can decay be reversed without drilling?
At the white-spot stage, yes — fluoride treatment or ICON infiltration can arrest it without drilling. Once an actual cavity has formed, it needs a filling or a larger restoration.
Is it worth treating decay in a baby tooth that's going to fall out anyway?
Yes. Untreated decay in a baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth forming underneath it.
What happens if I just leave a cavity?
It keeps growing, and can reach the nerve and cause pulpitis or an abscess. The infection doesn't always stay local — it can affect your general health too.
Visit us
| Address | Torrevieja, Pasaje País Vasco, edificio 1, local 4 |
| Phone | +(34) 638 893 141 |
| +(34) 638 893 141 | |
| apdenta@gmail.com | |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 10:00–20:00, by appointment |
We welcome patients from Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, La Zenia, Ciudad Quesada and the rest of the Costa Blanca and Vega Baja.
Call to book a consultation
Contact Information:
| Torrevieja, Pasaje Pais Vasco, edificio 1 local 4 | |
| +(34) 638 893 141 | |
| +(34) 638 893 141 | |
| apdenta@gmail.com | |
| Working hours: Mon - Fri: from 10:00 to 20:00 |