Tooth decay is a common oral condition that almost everyone will have to face at least once in their lifetime. One of the frequently asked questions regarding this issue is whether a decayed tooth should be extracted or filled to preserve it. To help you gain a better understanding of this matter and determine the appropriate treatment approach, Champion Dental Clinic would like to provide the answer in the following article.
Decayed teeth should be extracted or filled?
After conducting an examination and assessment, dentists will make a decision on whether to fill or extract a decayed tooth based on the individual condition of each patient.
Cases of mild tooth decay
For cases of early-stage tooth decay or mild decay, such as minimal tooth fractures that haven't caused pulp inflammation, the filling method will be applied by the dentists. This is an effective and cost-efficient treatment option that aims to preserve the natural tooth - the primary goal of the dental team.
When a tooth is extracted from the dental arch, it can lead to various complications in the jawbone over time. Therefore, to ensure chewing function, aesthetics, and to avoid impacting the remaining teeth in the arch, you may need to consider tooth replacement options, such as dental implants. This ensures the restoration of chewing function, guarantees aesthetics, and prevents any negative effects on the remaining teeth in the dental arch.
Cases of severe tooth decay
In cases of severe tooth damage, where the dental pulp has died, causing infection and the formation of abscesses, along with visible signs of tooth mobility, preserving the tooth is no longer feasible. In such cases, the dentist will make the decision to extract the tooth in order to eliminate the risk of spreading infection to the entire oral cavity.
How long does dental filling for cavities take?
The duration of the dental filling process typically ranges from 15 to 40 minutes, depending on each specific case, as outlined below.
Case 1: Mild tooth decay (mild level)
When the tooth exhibits signs of opaque white spots or discolored black or brown spots on the surface, or when the tooth is slightly worn or chipped without affecting the dental pulp and causing pain, the filling procedure usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Case 2: Moderate tooth decay (decay reaching the pulp)
In cases of severe tooth decay where bacteria have already damaged the tooth enamel and invaded the dental pulp, the dentist needs to remove the affected areas before applying the filling. As a result, the treatment time will be longer, ranging from 30 to 40 minutes for a single filling.
Case 3: Severe tooth decay (decay into the pulp)
This is considered a severe and potentially detrimental condition to oral health. In such cases, the dentist needs to perform root canal treatment before proceeding with the filling to restore the affected areas of the tooth. The time required for treatment in these cases can vary depending on the complexity and severity of the decay.
Please note that these time estimates are approximate and can vary based on individual factors and the specific circumstances of each case. It is important to consult with your dentist for an accurate assessment and time frame for your dental filling procedure.
>> See more: Methods of Dental Implants For Elderly Patients
The best dental clinic for treating cavities
Champion Dental Clinic takes pride in being one of the trusted addresses for customers in Ho Chi Minh City when it comes to treating cavities. With a team of specialized dentists with over 10 years of experience in the field of dentistry, Champion has successfully treated thousands of cases of tooth decay and restored beautiful appearances to teeth, with colors closely resembling natural teeth. Additionally, we also aim to restore chewing function for our customers.
At Champion Dental Clinic, the cost of dental fillings for cavities is ensured to be suitable for all customer groups, and the prices of dental services are always transparent, openly displayed on the website. Customers can easily choose the desired services they wish to receive.
If you are experiencing cavity problems and are unsure about the dental filling method, come to Champion Dental Clinic to receive advice from our team and undergo examinations by our dentists. From there, we can provide specific treatment recommendations for your oral condition.
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中文: (028) 5411-2297 172 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
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