5 Treatment Options for Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is an oral health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when plaque accumulates on your teeth, eroding enamel and causing holes or cavities to form. If left untreated, it can lead to severe pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Thankfully, there are several effective treatment options available to combat tooth decay and restore dental health and functionality. In this article, we’ll explore the various treatment options for tooth decay to help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
1. Dental Filling
Dental fillings are used to restore and repair decayed teeth by filling and sealing the cavity and/or hole with a filling material, such as amalgam, composite, ceramic, glass ionomer, or gold fillings.
What you choose to fill your tooth with depends on the size and location of your cavity, your oral health needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Your dentist will evaluate your situation and recommend the most suitable material for your needs.
2. Dental Crowns
Individuals suffering from tooth decays that have progressed to a more severe stage can seek dental crown treatment. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line to protect the tooth from further damage and preserve its functionality. They can be made from various materials too, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of them.
3. Root Canal Treatment
If your tooth condition has deteriorated and the decay has reached the innermost part of the tooth, known as the pulp, consider getting a root canal treatment. This condition can cause intense pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling, and even the formation of an abscess.
In such cases, a root canal treatment can help to save your natural tooth and alleviate symptoms by removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection or decay.
This treatment method has a high success rate and is an effective way to save a decayed tooth that would otherwise require extraction.
4. Dental Inlays or Onlays
Not interested in getting traditional dental fillings or crowns? A dental inlay or onlay could be a viable option. They are often recommended when the damage is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough for a full crown.
• Dental Inlays: These are designed to fit within the indented or concave portion of the tooth, specifically within the chewing surface between the cusps. They are usually used when the damage or decay is limited to the centre of the tooth.
• Dental Onlays: Known as partial crowns, dental onlays are more extensive than inlays as they cover a larger portion of the tooth, including one or more cusps or the biting edges. They are usually used to cover a greater surface area, such as when the damage extends beyond the centre of the tooth.
Dental inlays and onlays provide a more conservative treatment option by preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.They are also highly durable and are able to withstand the forces of chewing, making them a long-lasting solution for tooth restoration.
5. Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to restore the appearance and the functionality of natural teeth. They are typically used to address tooth loss resulting from tooth decay or trauma.
A dental implant is essentially a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. A crown or a bridge is then attached to the implant to function as a tooth. Dental implants are highly durable and serve as a permanent solution that will help you eat and speak comfortably again.
If you’re looking for a quick tooth replacement, modern technology advances have allowed dental clinics to offer dental implants as an efficient and effective solution. These implants can usually be placed within the day.
Learn More: Immediate Implants: Having My Tooth Extracted and a Dental Implant Placed on the Same Day
Suffering from tooth decay or missing teeth? These treatment options provide a solution that will improve your quality of life.
Tooth Stories is a dental clinic in Singapore offering a range of dental treatments suitable for addressing a variety of oral health needs. Schedule your appointment with us today.