Caries is the most common disease in humans. It constitutes damage of the hard dental tissues (enamel, dentin, cement) with subsequent demineralization and destruction.

The causative agent of caries is bacteria in the oral cavity and the waste products of their metabolism (acids, toxins and gases). Acids secreted by bacteria on tooth surfaces over time begin to break down the inorganic part of the tooth enamel, and subsequently the underlying dentin. This causes demineralization and ultimately destruction of hard dental tissues from the pathological process. Pain symptoms in the presence of caries range from mild to severe, acute and suddenly occurring pain, most often caused by eating cold, sour or sweet foods and drinks. The pain is short-lived and usually disappears quickly after removal of contact with physical or chemical cause.

Treatment of caries consists of the removal of the affected tissues, preparating tooth cavity and subsequent obturation with modern materials (photocomposites, ceramic inlays) in order to fully restore the integrity, anathomy and function of the tooth, while maintaining its vitality.