According to the CDC, almost 26% of adults ages 20-44 have untreated tooth decay. 13.2% of children ages 5-19 years old also have untreated dental cavities.
There are many dangers of tooth decay you want to prevent. So if you’re struggling with dental cavities, you should see a dentist right away. They’ll offer you the tooth decay treatment appropriate for your specific situation.
This guide will discuss the various treatments in more detail. Keep reading to learn more about them.
Table of Contents
A Fluoride Treatment
Initial demineralization of the tooth is the first stage of tooth decay, and it can be reversed to prevent more damage if it’s treated right away. If you’re wondering how to treat tooth decay during this early stage, fluoride treatment should be enough to prevent permanent damage.
Your dentist should perform the fluoride treatment. They’ll apply a fluoride gel to the affected teeth while you’re in their office.
The fluoride will strengthen your enamel and prevent more damage caused by the build-up of plaque.
Fillings for Cavities
Fillings are the most well-known treatment for cavities, and they’re used to prevent further tooth decay. When you’re in the second stage of decay, enamel decay, you have a cavity growing in your tooth.
Your dentist will remove the decay from your tooth and fill the hole the cavity left. Your dentist might choose from a few different materials to fill your cavity, including dental amalgam, resin, or ceramic. They’ll use a filling that matches the color of your tooth as well.
You May Need a Crown
Other cavity treatment options include getting a crown. Dentin decay occurs much faster than enamel decay. Early on, you may be able to treat it with a filling, but if it’s too advanced, you’ll need to have a crown placed.
A crown is a small-cap that covers the top part of your tooth over your gums. Your dentist will remove the decay first in this case. Your dentist might have to remove a larger part of the tooth so the crown can fit properly.
A Root Canal
The pulp is the deepest layer in your teeth. This is where you have the nerves and blood vessels in your teeth.
The nerve in this part of the tooth is what creates a sensation. Damage to this part of the tooth can cause swelling and a lot of pain.
To treat this kind of tooth decay, you’ll need to have a root canal. A root canal removes the damaged pulp and fills the tooth.
Tooth Removal
An abscess occurs in severe cases of tooth decay. Infection of the tooth increases inflammation and creates a pocket of pus.
A root canal can remove the infection, but tooth removal might be the only treatment option if extensive damage. Click here to learn how to find a dentist in your area to treat your tooth decay.
Tooth Decay Treatment Explained
The tooth decay treatment you get will depend on the severity of the issue. Fillings are common for enamel decay, while tooth removal is necessary in some cases.
Check out some of the other health blogs on our site if you found this one informative.
