Tooth Decay

You may need surgery if Reference tooth decay Opens New Window has damaged the Reference pulp Opens New Window and the tooth.

Surgery Choices

• In Reference extraction, your dentist removes the decayed tooth.
• In Reference root canal treatment, your dentist removes the pulp from the center of a tooth and fills the pulp cavity.

What to think about

After removing your tooth, your dentist will replace it with a Reference bridge Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window or an Reference implant.

If your tooth is severely damaged, it may be easier and may cost less to remove the tooth than to have a root canal treatment. If you have root canal treatment, you will need a Reference crown Opens New Window.

If you have certain heart problems, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics before dental surgery. Surgery can cause bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. The antibiotics lower your risk of getting an infection in your heart called endocarditis. For more information, see Reference People Who Need Antibiotics to Prevent Endocarditis and Reference Procedures That May Require Antibiotics to Prevent Endocarditis.

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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.