| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Dental cavities |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Caries; Tooth decay; Cavities - tooth |
| Treatment: |
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Destroyed tooth structure does not regenerate. However, the progression of cavities can be stopped by treatment. The goal is to preserve the tooth and prevent complications. In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed (by drilling) and replaced with a restorative material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and may be preferred for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold as stronger and are often used on back teeth, although there is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well. Crowns are used if decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure which may cause weakened teeth. Large fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired and a covering jacket or "cap" (crown) is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Treatment often preserves the tooth. Early treatment is less painful and less expensive than treatment of extensive decay. Anesthetics -- local, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or other prescription medications -- may be required in some cases to relieve pain during or following drilling or other treatment of decayed teeth. For those who fear dental treatment, nitrous oxide in combination with anesthesia may be preferred. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
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Tooth anatomy |
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