What Could be Done about Severely Decayed Teeth?

10/18/2016 13:43

Tooth decay is caused by a type of oral bacteria. These bacteria live in plaque, a sticky, colorless biofilm, and they produce an acidic byproduct in response to the foods you eat. These acids break down the enamel on your teeth, which leads to decay. If your teeth are decayed, our emergency dentist can help you decide on the best treatments depending on the severity of the decay.
 
1. Dental filling
If the tooth is not too badly decayed, a dental filling might be all that is necessary to restore its strength and appearance.
 
2. Inlay or onlay
A tooth that is too badly decayed to be restored with a filling might need an inlay or onlay, These restorations are made in a dental lab and are bonded to teeth much like a crown, but require less preparation and preserve more of the tooth’s natural structure.
 
3. Dental crown
Crowns are used when the tooth cannot be restored with more conservative means. A crown encases the tooth completely in porcelain and protects it from further damage.
 
4. Root canal therapy
When the decay is so severe that it reaches the soft inner tissues of the tooth, a root canal will usually be necessary.
 
5. Dental extraction
You may need emergency tooth extraction in Los Angeles if the tooth is so severely decayed that it cannot be restored.
 
Contact our offices today to learn more or to schedule your consultation for an appointment with our team.