Can you fix tooth decay?

Diagnosis

Your dentist can usually detect cavities by:

Asking about tooth pain and sensitivity

Examining your mouth and teeth

Probe teeth with dental instruments to check for soft areas

View dental X-rays that can show the extent of cavities and decay

Your dentist will also be able to tell you which of the three types of cavities you have - smooth surface pits and cracks or root.

Treatment

Regular checkups can catch cavities and other dental conditions before they cause troubling symptoms and lead to more serious problems. The sooner you seek care the better your chances of reversing the early stages of tooth decay and preventing its progression. if a cavity has been processed before it It starts causing pain and you may not need extensive treatment.

Treatment for cavities depends on their severity and your specific condition. Treatment options include:

Fluoride treatment. If your cavities are just starting fluoride treatment may help restore your enamel and sometimes reverse cavities in their early stages. Professional fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than tap toothpaste and mouthwash. Fluoride Treatment may be a liquid gel foam or varnish brushed onto your teeth or placed in a small tray that fits your teeth.

stuffing. Fillers also known as restorations are the primary treatment option when the decay has passed its earliest stages. Fillings are made from a variety of materials such as tooth-colored composite resin porcelain or dental amalgam which is a combination of materials.

crown. For large cavities or weakened teeth you may need a crown—a custom-made covering that replaces your tooth's entire natural crown. Your dentist will drill away all decayed areas and enough rest of the tooth to ensure a good fit. The crown may be made of high-strength gold Porcelain resin porcelain fused to metal or other materials.

root canal. You may need a root canal when the decay reaches the inner material of the tooth (the pulp). This is a treatment that repairs and preserves a severely damaged or infected tooth rather than removing it. Removal of diseased pulp. Sometimes medication is put into the root canal to remove any Infect. Then replace the pulp with filler.

extract a tooth. Some teeth are so badly decayed that they cannot be repaired and must be extracted. Removing one tooth leaves a gap that can displace other teeth. Consider replacing missing teeth with bridges or dental implants if possible

Preparing for your appointment

If you experience tooth pain or sensitivity make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Here is some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

All medicines vitamins herbs or other supplements and dosages you are taking

Allergies to medications or adverse reactions to local anesthetics

Questions to ask your dentist

Basic questions to ask your dentist may include:

Do I have a simple cavity or do I need a crown or root canal?

How many visits will it take to treat this tooth?

When will the pain go away?

What can I take for the pain?

How long should I wait to eat or drink after completing this procedure?

Is there anything else I can do to prevent cavities?

Does my local water supply contain added fluoride?

Can I have any brochures or other printed materials? What site do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during the appointment.

What to expect from your dentist

Your dentist may ask you some questions. Be prepared to answer them to save time discussing topics you want to focus on. Problems may include:

Are food temperature or sweets extremes causing you pain?

Does biting down make your pain worse?

How often do you brush your teeth?

How often do you floss your teeth?

Do you use toothpaste that has fluoride?

Do you eat a lot of sweets or drink sugary drinks or sodas?

Have you noticed dryness in your mouth?

What medications do you take?

What you can do in the meantime

While waiting for your appointment there are a few things you can do to manage your toothache. E.g:

If your doctor says it's fine for you take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Use an over-the-counter anesthetic designed to soothe painful teeth.

Use warm water to brush your teeth.

Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

Thoroughly clean all parts of your mouth and teeth - don't avoid painful areas.

Avoid foods or drinks that are hot or hot enough to cause pain.