Tooth decay indicates a sign of a severely damaged tooth or a set of teeth. Either this means the tooth is damaged beyond repair or it needs to be saved in an emergency. This is something you’ll find out at a check-up appointment with the dentist.
If you have a decayed tooth, treatment will be required as soon as possible. If you’re in this situation, again, there is no need to panic. There are several steps that can be taken to ensure that the right solution is given to preserve your oral health as best as possible.
What Is A Decayed Tooth?
Before going further on the options, it’s important to address what is meant by a decayed tooth. It is damage to a tooth caused by a build-up of dental plaque that turns sugars into acid. If the dental plaque continues to build, this leads to cavities, a tiny opening in the tooth, and gum disease. Dental abscesses can also form if the decay is allowed to progress. This is a collection of pus towards the bottom of the tooth and within your gums.
How Can A Decayed Tooth Be Treated?
There are many forms of treatment that help to treat a decayed tooth. Although, this does depend on the results of an examination when the dentist determines how severe the decayed tooth is.
Let’s take a look at the options:
Tooth Filling
A tooth filling is concerned with minor decay and is a treatment used to restore the function of a tooth structure. The decay is removed from the tooth first before ensuring adequate space to apply the filling. The bonding material may be used to so the filling bonds to the tooth.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is considered if a filling isn’t possible due to the damage caused by the decay. Decay is removed from the affected area until a crown is fitted over the entire tooth to strengthen its structure and restore natural mouth functioning.
Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth is badly decayed and the soft tissue is also infected, the pain may be unbearable. The infected pulp would need to be removed with root canal therapy. The root is cleaned out and a temporary filling is applied. The tooth is permanently filled once the infection has cleared up with a crown or cap to restore natural mouth functioning.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction treatment is a typical last resort option if the tooth is severely decayed with an added danger that it may spread to your other neighbouring teeth and gums. This will require removing the tooth gently out of its socket, with other cosmetic replacements being available to help bridge the gap for a full tooth set.
Is There Anything I Can Do At Home?
When a tooth is decayed, it is a sign that your lifestyle doesn’t cater to your oral health. This also includes your diet choices, because the food and drink you consume is the culprit to bad tooth decay. To reduce the chances, here’s what you can do from home right now:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day
- Avoid consuming food and drink that contains sugar
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol
- Drink water throughout the day to remain hydrated
- Eat calcium-rich foods to strengthen your enamel
- Regularly visit the dentist
Are you in need of visiting the dentist for a decayed tooth? Then tell us! We are ready to accommodate you at Western Sydney Smiles!
