Dental caries
Alternative names:
cavities, tooth; dental cavities; tooth decay
Treatment:
Destroyed tooth structure does not regenerate. However, the progression of dental caries can be stopped by treatment. The goal of treatment is to preserve the tooth and prevent complications.
In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed (drilling) and replaced with a restorative material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or plastic. Porcelain and plastic more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and may be preferred for front teeth. Silver amalgam (alloy) and gold are stronger and are often used on back teeth.
Crowns are used if decay is extensive because multiple fillings increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired and a covering jacket (crown) is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold or porcelain.
A root canal is recommended if the nerve (pulp) in a tooth dies from decay or from a traumatic blow. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and vascular (blood vessel) tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled and a crown may be placed over the tooth.
Expectations (prognosis):
Treatment often preserves the tooth. Early treatment is less painful and less expensive than treatment of extensive decay. Anesthetics (local, nitrous oxide gas, or other general anesthetic) may be required in some cases for drilling or other treatment of decayed teeth.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your dentist if a toothache occurs.
Call your dentist for a routine cleaning and examination if you have not had one in the last 6 months to 1 year.
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