Tooth Decay

Treatment for Reference tooth decay Opens New Window varies according to how severe the decay is.

• Brushing and flossing with Reference fluoride Opens New Window toothpaste and/or receiving fluoride treatments may be enough to reverse early decay, before cavities have formed. For more information, see:

  Reference Reference Dental Care: Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth.

• You need a Reference filling if a cavity has formed. A filling is a material that plugs the cavity hole and restores a tooth to its original shape after your dentist has removed the decay.
• You may need a Reference crown if the decay is severe and your tooth is badly damaged. A crown (often called a cap) is a man-made replacement for all or part of a tooth. Crowns are also used to treat teeth that have broken or decayed so much that a filling will not work.
• You may need a Reference root canal treatment if the Reference pulp Opens New Window of your tooth is infected. A root canal removes the diseased pulp of a tooth.
• You may need your tooth taken out (Reference extraction) if the root of the tooth is severely damaged. You may need to replace the tooth with a Reference bridge Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window or an Reference implant.

If you do not treat tooth decay, your cavities can get worse and you may lose a tooth. If you wait to see your dentist, your tooth repair will probably cost more and take longer.

What to think about

Many people are very nervous before or during a dental visit. This can make going to the dentist a difficult experience. You can take steps to limit your Reference anxiety, such as explaining your fears to the dentist and setting up a system of hand signals. Hand signals let you tell the dentist when something hurts or you want a break, even if you cannot talk.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.