Tooth decay is one of the most widespread bacterial dental diseases. It spreads quickly through the mouth, affecting one tooth after another. The bacteria responsible can also enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. That’s why treating decay promptly, and choosing the right approach, matters so much.
What Is Conservative (Restorative) Dentistry?
Conservative dentistry focuses on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible while eliminating disease and restoring function and appearance. The aim is always to keep the natural tooth rather than remove it.
Treatment options depend on how advanced the decay is. Early-stage decay can sometimes be managed without drilling, while more significant cavities require a filling or other restoration.
Fluoride Treatment for Early Decay
If decay is caught very early — before a cavity has fully formed — fluoride treatment can sometimes halt or even reverse the process. High-concentration fluoride varnish or gel is applied to the affected area, helping the enamel to remineralise.
This approach works best for white spot lesions, which are the earliest visible sign of enamel breakdown.
Composite Fillings
Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings are the most common treatment for cavities. The decayed material is removed, the cavity is cleaned, and a tooth-coloured resin is applied in layers and hardened using a curing light.
Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, are aesthetically pleasing, and are suitable for both front and back teeth.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam (silver) fillings have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. They are very durable and well suited to areas of the mouth that endure heavy chewing forces, such as the back teeth.
Amalgam is less commonly used now that tooth-coloured alternatives have improved, but it remains a reliable option in some situations.
Inlays and Onlays
When a cavity is too large for a regular filling but not so extensive that a crown is needed, an inlay or onlay may be the right solution. These are custom-made restorations — typically porcelain or composite — that are fabricated in a laboratory and bonded to the tooth.
An inlay sits within the biting surface of the tooth. An onlay covers one or more of the cusps as well. Both provide a durable, natural-looking result.
Dental Crowns
When decay has damaged a large portion of the tooth, a crown may be needed to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth and can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination.
Crowns are also used after root canal treatment to protect the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
When decay reaches the pulp — the soft inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels — root canal treatment becomes necessary. The infected pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and sealed, and the tooth is then restored with a filling or crown.
Root canal treatment allows the natural tooth to be preserved even when the damage is extensive.
Summary
Tooth decay is best treated early, when the options are simpler and less invasive. Regular check-ups make it possible to catch problems before they develop into something more complex. If you think you might have a cavity, don’t wait — book an appointment as soon as you can.
