Tooth Decay Treatment

Sometimes tooth decay that is stopped before it reaches the dentin (second layer of the tooth) will repair itself.

Treatment for more severe decay includes:

Fillings

When decay reaches the dentin, your dentist will treat it by:

• Numbing the tooth and surrounding tissue area
• Removing the decay with instruments
• Filling the hole with a dental filling; the filling can be silver or tooth colored

Root Canal

Tooth decay that reaches the pulp and/or root of the tooth is treated with a root canal :

• The tooth is numbed and a hole is drilled through the top of the tooth.
• Pus and dead tissue are removed from the tooth.
• The inside of the tooth and the root (nerve) canals are cleaned and filled with a permanent filling.
• The root (nerve) canal is sealed.
• A crown is placed on the tooth to protect it.

Tooth Extraction (Removal)

Removal of the tooth is required if:

• Tooth decay and/or tooth infection is too extensive for filling or root canal.
• A break or crack in the tooth that has allowed for decay is too severe to be repaired.
• An extensive infection exists between the tooth and gum.

If the tooth is removed, it will be replaced with:

• A partial bridge
• A denture
• A tooth implant

If you are diagnosed with tooth decay, follow your dentist's instructions.