
We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. However, if a person notices any of the following symptoms, they should call a dentist or seek medical attention immediately: Once they have removed the tooth, the dentist will recommend a post-extraction regime.Ī person may notice swelling or pain after a tooth extraction, which is normal. The dentist will first numb the damaged tooth. Tooth extractionĪ dentist may recommend a person has a tooth extraction if the tooth decay has caused severe damage. The dentist will then fill the root canals with a rubber-like substance and place a crown or filling on the tooth to restore and strengthen it. The dentist may also apply medicine in the tooth to get rid of any bacteria. They will then clean and shape the root canal inside of the tooth. Root canalsĪ dentist can perform a root canal to help prevent the need for extraction when the pulp of the tooth is damaged.Īccording to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the dentist first numbs the tooth before removing the pulp. The dentist will take an impression of the tooth and fit a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready for fitting, usually 1–2 weeks later. To place a crown, the dentist first removes the outer portion of the tooth, as well as any decay. CrownsĪccording to the ADA, larger cavities that occur due to tooth decay may require a crown instead of a filling. The dentist then fills the cavity, using materials such as dental amalgam or composite. When cavities occur from tooth decay, a filling can be a treatment option.Īfter drilling the tooth to remove any decay, the dentist shapes the cavity to fit the filling. The fluoride comes in the form of a gel, varnish, foam, or solution. These fluoride treatments are generally quick, taking only a few minutes.
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A dentist can use fluoride in various forms to help stop and even repair the damage that has occurred due to tooth decay.Ī dentist can apply professional fluoride treatments directly to the teeth. Treatment for tooth decay can include: Early-stage fluoride treatmentsįluoride is a mineral that can help strengthen enamel.

When a person eats sugary or starchy food, the bacteria in the plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth. Damage from tooth decay can range from causing wear to the enamel to painful abscesses within the pulp of the tooth.Īn article in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) state that tooth decay occurs due to a buildup of plaque on a tooth. Tooth decay can occur in varying degrees of severity. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Pulp: The pulp is the center of the tooth.The stimulation of these nerves can cause pain and sensitivity in the tooth. Small tubes within the dentin allow hot and cold food to stimulate the nerves of the tooth. When the enamel is damaged, it may expose the dentin. Dentin: Dentin is the second layer of a tooth.Tooth enamel contains no living cells and is the hardest structure in the human body. Enamel: Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects the inner layers of a tooth.Once tooth decay has eroded the enamel, cavities can start to form.Īccording to the American Dental Association (ADA), a tooth consists of three layers: Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a disease that causes the breakdown of tooth enamel. Share on Pinterest A person with tooth decay may experience sensitivity to sugary, hot, or cold food and drinks.
