Once decay has set in on a tooth, is there any way to keep it from getting any worse?

I'm a dentist.





Tooth decay is a bacterial infection where the bacteria have destroyed tooth structure. It is actually a fairly complex process in a number of ways. Most importantly, however, once decay has broken through the tooth's enamel, it spreads wider (and faster) underneath the enamel along the junction between the enamel and the underlying dentin. Obviously, if it's underneath the enamel, you will be unable to get to it and clean it until it has undermined the enamel so much that the enamel above it crumbles away. By then, however, the decay has gotten quite deep and threatens the pulp of the tooth.





Keep in mind, though, that tooth decay in its earliest stages (which can also be seen on routine bitewing radiographs) does not require the doctor to treat it surgically (i.e. "drill and fill"). In such cases, where the tooth's enamel has only been demineralized but not cavitated, proper cleaning and adequate fluoride therapy can not only halt the decay process, but can reverse it and cause the tooth to be repaired (i.e. remineralized).





If it were possible for you to disinfect the tooth, then yes, you could keep any tooth decay from getting worse. Realistically and for a variety of reasons (one of which was described above), however, this is not possible for you to do. Your doctor must do it.





If it's a money issue for you, consider this: a filling can cost you anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the number of surfaces and the area in which you live. Leave the decay untreated and allow it to encroach upon the tooth's pulp, and you may find yourself staring down the barrel of more extensive work. A root canal can cost you anywhere from $500 to $2000, depending on the tooth, your area, and the doctor (generalist vs. specialist) performing the work. Teeth that have had root canals need core-buildups and crowns, which together can range from $900 to $2000, depending on the area in which you live.





The filling is a much better option. In dentistry, an ounce of prevention is worth $2000-plus worth of cure.

Once decay has set in on a tooth, is there any way to keep it from getting any worse?
Filling or have it yanked out.
Reply:Uh... YEAH... It's called "go to the dentist and get it fixed."
Reply:I'm sorry i don't know but that is a very good question
Reply:Drilled %26amp; Filled !
Reply:My sister, who is not a dentist, claims that using flouride works.





I say, go to a dentist and get that cavity filled. Decay, however, is much more severe than a cavity. Run to a dentist!
Reply:See a dentist as soon as possible.
Reply:See the Dentist.
Reply:ya.....go to a dentist , he ll remove the decayed n restore the remaining.....
Reply:go to the dds and have it filled or pulled out