The dentist in Plymouth, MA, and their team of dental specialists are well qualified, trained, and equipped to handle dental problems to improve the quality of life of millions of patients. One of the most common dental problems is tooth decay. It causes a series of ill effects that negatively impact your oral health and appearance. Modern dentistry offers a wide range of diagnostic methods and treatment options to manage tooth decay. 

To learn more about tooth decay and the effective treatment options read on!

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, or dental caries, is defined as the destruction of the tooth structure due to the abnormal and uncontrolled breakdown of the enamel (the outermost hard surface of the tooth) layer. 

What causes tooth decay? 

Poor or improper oral hygiene leads to increased bacterial accumulation, resulting in the formation of dental plaque (soft sticky film covering the tooth surface). This produces harmful acids, toxins, and by-products that demineralize the enamel, forming tiny holes, pits, or cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, swelling, pulpal infection, and gradual tooth loss.

What are the symptoms of tooth decay? 

Symptoms of tooth decay vary depending on the extent of the damage caused. Initial tooth decay exhibits no symptoms except surface discoloration. However, moderate to severe forms  may include any one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Brown or black spots on the teeth
  • Prominent cavity on the tooth surface 
  • Constant tooth pain and discomfort
  • Pain radiating to the jaw and ears
  • Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary foods
  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty chewing 
  • Halitosis (bad breath) 
  • Gingival swelling, redness, and bleeding
  • Abscess with pus discharge
  • Facial asymmetry 

How is tooth decay treated?

Treatment for tooth decay depends on the extent of infection, and the severity of the symptoms. 

Fluoride Treatment

  • This treatment helps treat mild tooth decay, such as pits and fissures. Fluoride helps remineralize the enamel, which can halt tooth decay and prevent further damage. 

Dental Fillings

  • This applies to mild to moderate tooth decay 
  • The dentist will remove the decayed tissues and restore the tooth by using an appropriate filling material or cement.

Root Canal Therapy

  • It helps treat severe forms of tooth decay with pulpal involvement.
  • It involves the elimination of infected pulp replacing it with a biocompatible material like gutta-percha, and restoring the tooth structure with a suitable crown. 

Tooth extraction 

  • Tooth decay beyond repair is mostly extracted and replaced with dentures, bridges, or dental implants.  

Tooth decay, a prevalent dental issue, requires prompt and early diagnosis for effective treatment to save your tooth. If you notice any signs and symptoms seek dental help immediately.