Tooth decay is a progressive disease caused when the outer layer (enamel) is compromised and the tooth is exposed to harmful bacteria. Tooth decay leads to cavities, permanently damaged areas that create holes as the decay works its way through your tooth structure.
Enamel has no living cells, so, unlike bone, it can’t grow back or heal itself. However, “weakened enamel can be ‘restored’ to some degree, by improving its mineral content through the use of oral hygiene products that contain fluoride,” says Dr. Davidowitz. “Although toothpaste and mouthwash can never ‘rebuild’ teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process and help fortify the enamel to fight off further degradation.”
Remineralization may help stave off tooth decay, but once it reaches the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, your dentist will need to repair the damage with a filling. During this procedure, the dentist will clean away the decay inside the cavity to prevent further damage, usually with a drill, before filling it in to replace the part of the tooth destroyed by decay.
If decay has caused the tooth to lose a lot of its structure, your dentist may need to do a dental crown. A cover or “cap” that’s put over what remains of a tooth, a crown makes the tooth stronger and improves the way it looks.
If decay reaches the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, a root canal may be necessary. During a root canal, your dental provider (often a specialist called an endodontist) removes the inflamed or infected pulp, cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Depending on the location of the tooth, you may need a crown or other restoration on the tooth so that it functions like any other tooth.
