How to Fix Decayed Teeth
Early tooth decay doesn't have any symptoms. So without regular appointments to the dentist, you may not notice tooth decay until it reaches the soft mid-layer of your tooth, which is between the enamel and pulp, also known as the dentin. Once the decay reaches the pulp, located at the center of your tooth, you may have limited options. Whether your tooth decay is in the early stage, toward the dentin or at the nerve-filled pulp, there are ways to fix your decayed teeth.
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Instructions
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Fix Decayed Teeth
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Use fillings. Your skilled cosmetic dentist can fill your decayed teeth with tooth-colored or white fillings. The tooth-colored fillings are a safe alternative to the silver amalgam fillings which were used in the past. The white fillings are made out of composite resin and are matched to the color of your natural teeth, so your fillings are invisible. The cost of a tooth-colored filling is approximately $150 to $200 per tooth.
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Try inlays. If your decayed teeth are decayed or damaged within the indented top surfaces or cusps of your tooth, your dentist can use an inlay placement. The inlay is created with tooth-colored, durable porcelain. At your first visit, your dentist will make an impression of your tooth. In addition, you will receive a temporary inlay that will be placed over your decayed tooth while you wait for the impression to return from the dental lab. During your second visit, the temporary inlay will be removed. The permanent inlay, which was created to specifically match your tooth, will be bonded over your decayed tooth. On average, inlays can cost $900. However, they generally cost from $650 to $1,200.
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Place onlays on your decayed teeth. Onlays, which are made from tooth-colored material, are used to treat tooth decay which can extend to one or more of your cusps. At your first dentist visit, you will have an impression made of your decayed tooth. Also, a temporary onlay will be put over the tooth. Once your permanent onlay is back from the dental lab, you will return for your next visit. Your temporary onlay will be removed and your permanent one will be bonded onto your decayed tooth. The cost of onlays, like with inlays, can range between $650 to $1,200.
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Remove your decayed tooth. Once the decay reaches the pulp of your tooth, you may have your tooth extraction, according to Oral B. If your decay is severe and your tooth has to be removed, you may have to replace the missing tooth with in another dental option called a dental bridge. This is so the neighboring teeth do not shift and affect your bite.
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Tips & Warnings
Inlays and onlays can prevent tooth sensitivity and loss. In addition, they can strengthen your teeth by approximately 75 percent and last for 30 years or longer, according to DocShop.
With inlays and onlays, there may be some tenderness at the treated area.
