You can always prevent tooth decay, but once the decay penetrates the hard tissues, a tooth cavity is formed, and the treatment procedure shifts to restoration. If the decay hasn’t affected the pulp, the tooth can be repaired by cleaning the affected part and filling the tiny holes or openings.
First, the dentist will numb the affected area, and using a dental laser system, air-abrasive device or high-speed rotary drill, he will drill and remove the affected hard tissues. The dentist can also use a manual scooping tool or a slower drill to scoop the affected dentin. Once the drilling and scooping is complete, the dentist will shape the hole to enable proper fixing of the filling materials.
When the decay has affected just a small part of the enamel, it becomes very easy to repair. You can use toothpaste or mouth-rinses recommended by your dentist to repair such a tiny spot. In addition, your dentist can use a filling material that contains calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to repair such a small spot. Once the decay reaches the dentin, the repair becomes a bit complex and expensive. The dentist will require resin material or amalgam filling to fill the already drilled hole. The good thing is that one can use tooth-colored filling materials. However, if a large part of the hard tissues has decayed, the dentist may have to use a dental crown. Although dental crowns are a bit expensive than fillings, they do a great job in providing support, strength, and restoring the functions of the teeth.