How a General Dentist Treats Tooth Decay
Several treatments are available for tooth decay. General dentists provide many options to approach decaying teeth. These treatments depend on the severity of the decay. If you want to know how your general dentist resolves tooth decay, here are the details.
Dental fillings
These repair teeth with eroded enamel. This is for treating minor tooth decay. The dentist gives a dental filling if the decay has not reached the pulp yet. Shallow cavities do not need anesthesia. Patients with deep cavities will need anesthesia.
The dentist will clean out the cavity well. Then, etch the cavity. Drying the cavity will follow after the patient rinses. The dentist will fill the cavity with composite resin. This is a healthier type of solution to tooth decay than amalgam fillings.
Fluoride treatment
The goal of this treatment is to strengthen and protect the enamel. A weak enamel is prone to cavity formation. The dentist will check the teeth and see if there are signs of tooth decay. Then, the dentist will remineralize the enamel. This will reverse the decay.
This treatment is more effective if the tooth does not have cavities yet. The layer of fluoride protects the tooth from bacterial infection. The enamel weakens at a slow pace. That is why early detection of decay can help catch this weakening and stop it through fluoride treatment.
Dental crown
The dentist often provides this treatment for severe decay. Shaving some of the healthy dental structure will help the dental crown fit. This tooth decay treatment can protect the tooth from future damage. It can also restore the tooth’s function and appearance. The patient can choose from different types of materials like metal or porcelain. Most patients choose porcelain because it can blend well with the neighboring teeth.
Root canal therapy
This treatment is severe decay that reaches the pulp. The tooth decay is too large for a dental filling to correct. This is more invasive. The patient will receive an anesthetic to make the procedure painless. Root canal therapy will clean out the infected pulp and disinfect it. Then, the dentist will fill the space with gutta-percha.
The treated tooth will be weakened after the treatment. That is why the dentist will place a dental crown over it. The crown will keep the tooth together. It will also restore the appearance and function of the tooth.
Tooth decay prevention
Tooth decay is equal to weakened dental enamel. The general dentist often shifts the attention to helping patients prevent decay on a long-term basis. This can happen with improved diet and hygiene practices. Going to the dentist for routine dental visits can also help prevent dental decay.
Preventing and treating tooth decay is a priority to general dentists
Decay happens at a gradual phase. Most people do not notice the decay until the onset of pain. This means the decay has already reached the sensitive dentin. Early detection of tooth decay results in early treatment. Your general dentist can provide several options to treat your cavities. A consultation can help determine which option will suit your dental needs most.
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