Yes, dentists routinely fill tooth decay as a standard and essential part of dental care.
How Dentists Address Tooth Decay
When tooth decay leads to the formation of a cavity—a small hole in the tooth—a dentist is equipped to treat it effectively. The primary goal of this treatment is to halt the progression of decay and restore the tooth's integrity.
The process typically involves several key steps:
- Diagnosis: The dentist first identifies the presence and extent of the tooth decay, often using dental probes, X-rays, or visual inspection.
- Decay Removal: To repair the cavity, the dentist carefully removes the decayed tooth tissue. This is a crucial step to ensure that all infected and damaged material is eliminated before the tooth is restored.
- Preparation: After the decay is removed, the remaining tooth structure is prepared to receive the filling. This might involve shaping the area to ensure the filling material bonds securely.
- Filling the Space: The final step involves filling the cleaned space with a dental filling material. Various materials can be used, such as amalgam, composite resin, gold, or porcelain, depending on the cavity's location, size, and the patient's preferences.
- Restoration: Once the filling is placed, it is hardened (if necessary) and polished to ensure it fits comfortably and restores the tooth's natural shape and function.
By filling cavities, dentists not only alleviate pain and discomfort but also prevent further damage to the tooth, help maintain oral health, and preserve the tooth for many years.