How to treat a cavity that has decayed to the root of the tooth?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 04, 2024
00:00
00:00

For a tooth decayed to the root, it is first necessary to take an X-ray of the tooth. If the X-ray shows that the root still has some salvage value, the tooth can be preserved through root canal treatment after controlling the inflammation. If the decay has reached the tip of the root and the root has no salvage value, the tooth needs to be extracted soon after controlling the inflammation. After the tooth is extracted, it is necessary to get a dental prosthesis as soon as possible depending on the condition of the tooth. If the prosthesis is not done in time, the tooth above may elongate, and the teeth on either side may tilt towards the gap, potentially leading to the loss of space over time.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
56sec home-news-image

What to do if you have tooth decay and swollen, painful gums?

When patients experience dental caries and swollen, painful gums, it is advised that they seek medical attention promptly. They may take some anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to relieve inflammation and pain. After the inflammation has completely subsided, treatment should be based on the extent of damage to the dental caries. If the damage to the dental caries is minor, conservative treatment may be sufficient. However, if the damage is severe, it may affect part of the tooth structure or even the entire tooth and root, possibly leading to cavitation. In such cases, it is recommended that patients consider tooth extraction or filling as remedial measures. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene and develop correct tooth brushing habits. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
1min 10sec home-news-image

The causes of dental caries formation

The causes of dental caries include bacterial factors, dietary factors, the tooth's own factors, and time factors, also known as the four-factor theory of dental caries. Dental caries initially result from bacterial infection. Under such infections, the hard tissues of the tooth undergo a chronic destructive deterioration; over time, this results in cavity formation. That is to say, the formation of dental caries primarily occurs under bacterial infection. Additionally, diet is a main cause of dental caries, especially sugary foods. Bacteria use glucose to produce acid, leading to tooth demineralization and cavity formation. Moreover, congenital calcium deficiency in teeth, leading to incomplete enamel development, is also an important cause of dental caries. Furthermore, the formation of dental caries requires a certain time factor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
42sec home-news-image

Should a baby's decayed front teeth be filled?

Children's front teeth cavities require filling treatment, because if the front teeth are extensively damaged, it not only affects eating and appearance but also impacts the child's psychological development. Therefore, if a child's tooth color is abnormal, it is advisable to visit a hospital for fluoride treatment as soon as possible, which is beneficial for mineralization on the tooth surface. However, if cavities have developed in the front teeth, filling treatment is needed, otherwise it will progressively worsen, affecting the child's normal eating habits. Generally, children under three years of age have poor cooperation and cannot undergo routine outpatient treatment, so it is crucial to strengthen oral hygiene care in daily life.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 2sec home-news-image

Is tooth sensitivity caused by exposed nerves?

When a patient has dental caries, it can cause some damage to the gum tissue, resulting in the gums being in a state of acute inflammation. At this time, the gums may be particularly sensitive, especially to hot and cold stimuli, but this does not necessarily mean that the nerves in the gums are exposed. It is recommended that patients pay attention to a light diet and avoid overly hot or spicy foods, as well as hard foods that may irritate the sensitive gum tissue, leading to discomfort. Therefore, patients are advised to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and drink plenty of water. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to develop healthy oral hygiene habits. It is recommended that patients visit the hospital in a timely manner for consultation, and receive specific treatment plans based on the extent of the damage caused by the caries.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
49sec home-news-image

Is a cavity the same as tooth decay?

Cavities, also known as dental caries, are a chronic progressive destructive disease caused by bacterial infection of the hard tissues of the teeth. Once a tooth is affected by a cavity, it is necessary to fill the tooth as soon as possible. Otherwise, the bacteria will further infect the tooth, causing inflammation of the dental nerve. Inflammation results in significant pain, including sensitivity to hot and cold, pain intensified by temperature changes, and even symptoms of nighttime pain. The most typical symptom of pulpitis is nighttime pain, which can wake someone from sleep. Therefore, once cavities occur, it is crucial to remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill it promptly to prevent potential tooth loss.