Yes, tooth decay can be fixed. However, the tooth decay fixing option is only possible during the early stages of the decay.

When you visit the dentist, the dentist will give you options such as;

• Root canal

A root canal is a treatment option where your tooth is drilled completely around the infected root, and then a plastic tube is placed into the tooth to clean it. All germs and bacteria causing the decay are removed. Root canal treatment has a very pain free healing period. However, a few days after the procedure, you will experience some discomfort. The dentist will give you some over the counter pain relief medication to manage the pain.

• Crown placement

Crown placement is a procedure to replace a tooth that is too decayed to be repaired with a dental implant. Crowns are placed over the tooth, and they can come in gold/porcelain combination or single metal. There are no big differences between the materials as both of them can provide you with great improvements in your smile and teeth health. However, porcelain crowns have a better aesthetic look. Metal crowns last for much longer, and that might be of great benefit for people who are very active and don't have much time for regular appointments at the dentist office.

• Tooth extraction

When the decay is too much, it cannot be fixed. Hence, the dentist will recommend a tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is a tooth removal procedure that only the dentist can perform. It often happens because the root of a tooth is diseased or damaged. The infected tooth is removed to prevent infection in the gum and jawbone.

If you are worried about missing a tooth after a tooth extraction, there are several teeth replacement options, including dentures and dental implants. Consult Next Smile Brisbane for more information on these options. They also specialise in All-on-4 dental implants treatment.