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Effective Tooth Decay Treatment: Options and Prevention Tips

Dealing with a toothache can be a real pain – literally. While it’s easy to feel embarrassed about having tooth decay, know that you’re not alone. Millions of adults deal with it every year.

The good news is that no matter how far along your tooth decay is, there are effective tooth decay treatment options that can get you smiling with confidence again.

Understanding Tooth Decay

Before we discuss treatment, let’s first understand how tooth decay happens. Our mouths are home to a diverse community of bacteria. While some bacteria are beneficial, others feed on the sugars in our food, producing acids. These acids can wreak havoc on our pearly whites.

Over time, these acids wear down the hard outer layer of our teeth, also known as tooth enamel. This eventually creates those pesky holes we know as tooth cavities. Several factors can make you more susceptible to dental cavities.

Some people have a naturally higher risk, due to genetics, age (both children and adults are prone), or certain medical conditions like dry mouth. Thankfully, there’s a lot we can do to tip the scales in our favor.

Battling Back: Your Tooth Decay Treatment Arsenal

When it comes to tooth decay treatment, early intervention is always best. This is why regular dental cleanings are so important. But, even in advanced cases, there are options to salvage your natural teeth and restore your bright, healthy smile.

Here at Flagship Dental, we can recommend the best treatment based on the severity of your decay and if you’re experiencing sensitive teeth.

Fluoride Treatments: Give Your Enamel a Fighting Chance

Remember how we talked about acid weakening your enamel? Well, fluoride is like a superhero for your teeth.

Fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks. It also helps to prevent tooth decay and supports the use of dental sealants.

You can get fluoride from toothpaste, mouth rinses, and sometimes even your tap water, but when you need an extra boost, we can offer professional fluoride treatments.

These treatments come in the form of gels, foams, or varnishes. These treatments are especially helpful in the early stages of tooth decay. They can even reverse the initial signs of damage.

Dental Fillings: Patch Things Up Before They Get Worse

If a cavity has formed, we might recommend a certain type of filling to restore the tooth’s natural shape and function. The filling procedure involves the removal of the decayed area of the tooth, and then filling the hole with a safe and durable material.

At Flagship, we offer different filling material options, such as a composite filling, to create tooth-colored fillings that are practically invisible.

Gold fillings are another option we’d be happy to discuss with you! Gold inlays can last up to 20 years and usually don’t cause any adverse reactions with your gum tissue.

Root Canal: A Lifesaver for Severely Damaged Teeth

Although they have a bad rap, root canals are not as scary as they sound, especially with today’s advancements in dentistry.

Root canal therapy becomes necessary when tooth decay reaches the tooth pulp, which is the innermost part of your tooth. The tooth pulp contains nerves and blood vessels.

First, we’ll have to remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. Then, we’ll seal it to prevent further infection. While a root canal may require a few visits, it’s often the best way to save a severely damaged tooth. It can also help you avoid an extraction.

Crowns: Reinforce and Protect Weakened Teeth

Dental crowns provide extra strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been weakened. Crowns are often recommended after a root canal or for a tooth that’s been severely damaged by tooth decay.

They can be made from a few different materials, like porcelain or metal. When you’re ready, we’d be more than happy to discuss the benefits of the different types of procedures.

Tooth Extractions: Say Goodbye When It’s Time to Move On

While we always try to save a natural tooth, sometimes, the tooth structure is too far gone. This is where tooth extraction comes in.

An extraction may be necessary if the tooth is causing pain or if the decay is so bad that it cannot be treated with a filling or crown.

After, we’ll recommend a replacement option, such as a dental implant, which looks and functions like a natural tooth, to fill the gap and prevent your other teeth from shifting.

Fighting Tooth Decay Starts at Home

Creating daily routines can help you prevent tooth decay, right from home. Here are a few ways to stay ahead of the curve:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Visit us regularly for cleanings and checkups.

You don’t have to navigate tooth decay treatment alone. Armed with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, you can keep those pearly whites healthy and sparkling for years to come.