Tooth Decay

Treating Tooth Decay (cavities, caries, etc.)

Treatment for tooth decay, also known as cavities, varies according to how severe the decay is. If caught early enough, brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste and/or receiving fluoride treatments may be enough to reverse early decay, before cavities have formed.

Once a cavity has formed, it must be treated in a timely manner to avoid serious dental problems. Dr. Skoretz will have to remove the area of tooth decay and replace the cavity with a filling. A filling is a material that plugs the cavity hole and restores a tooth to its original shape after Dr. Skoretz has removed the decay.

You may need a crown if the decay is more severe. A crown (also called a cap) is a man made replacement for all or part of a tooth. Crowns are also used to treat teeth that have broken.

You may need a root canal if the pulp of your tooth is infected, or have the tooth extracted if the root of the tooth is severely damaged. A lost tooth can be replaced with a bridge or an implant.

Dr. Skoretz and the dental hygenists can detect tooth decay very early and treat early decay quite easily when you come for regular check ups. If you do not treat tooth decay, your cavities can get worse and you may lose a tooth. If you wait to see your dentist, your tooth repair will probably cost more and take longer.