When a tooth suffers tooth decay, it is necessary to perform a dental restoration procedure, like a dental filling or a crown, to protect the tooth and avoid additional damage. The dental restoration restores both the appearance of the tooth and its normal function. The restoration technique depends on the severity of the damage and the location, but the dentist will usually examine the tooth first.
Tooth decay is a prevalent oral health issue that affects many people. It can lead to inflammation, serious tooth pain, and eventual tooth loss if not treated. Tooth decay can be avoided with proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the first line of protection against tooth decay. However, once a cavity has formed, the enamel is not self-healing, and a dentist will need to use a filling to fix the damage.
Tooth decay begins when a sticky bacterial plaque forms on the teeth, producing acids by feasting on the sugar from foods. These acids eat away at the hard enamel that protects the teeth, causing demineralization. A white spot may be noticeable around the demineralized area in the early stages of decay.
When tooth decay damages a portion of a tooth, the cavity that results is always painful. If left untreated, decay will progress to the dentin, causing the tooth to become sensitive and necessitating a dental restoration. Since decay progresses faster through the dentin than it does through the enamel, the infection must be prevented before it enters the tooth pulp.
A decayed tooth could become a source of ongoing infection, jeopardizing the tooth's structural integrity or exposing the internal layers. If the decay is removed from the tooth, the void left can still cause several tooth issues. Small cavities without dental fillings can jeopardize the health and function of one's teeth. A damaged tooth can be restored to full functionality by filling the cavity. At this stage, any additional tooth decay or infection can be prevented by the dental restoration.
Fillings reduce the risk of infection by stopping plaque or bacteria from forming within cavities. If the tooth decay is too severe to be fixed with a dental filling, the dentist will prepare the tooth for a dental crown. The crown covers the part of the tooth above the gum and strengthens it. It helps keep the tooth from breaking inward due to damage, splitting, or chipping.
Suppose that erosion occurs on a small part of the tooth and is discovered before it affects the dentin. In that case, the dentist can suggest fixing the area with fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinse, or fluoride-containing filling material. However, when tooth decay pain eventually sets in, it is often too late to reverse the process or take preventative measures. Dental fillings help keep things from getting out of control. Once you discover the signs of tooth decay, visit the dentist immediately for a dental restoration.
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