A dental professional can fix a hole in your tooth, which is one of the most routine procedures performed in a dental office. The term “hole in the tooth” describes a dental caries, commonly known as a cavity, which is the result of tooth decay. Bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth’s hard outer layer, the enamel, creating a defect. The method of repair depends on how deep the decay has progressed and the health of the remaining tooth structure. Addressing this issue promptly is important, as decay will not reverse itself and will continue to spread into the softer, inner layers of the tooth.
The Standard Repair: Dental Fillings
For small to medium-sized cavities that have not yet reached the inner pulp chamber, a dental filling is the standard and most conservative solution. The procedure begins with administering a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring comfort. Using a dental hand-piece or sometimes a laser, the decayed and softened tooth material is meticulously removed until only healthy tooth structure remains.
The cleaned area is prepared to receive the filling material, which acts as a barrier to stop decay and restore the tooth’s shape and function. Dentists use various materials, with composite resin being the most popular due to its tooth-colored appearance, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth. Amalgam, a silver-colored mixture of metals, is still used in some cases, particularly for back teeth, because of its strength and durability.
A third option, glass ionomer, is a tooth-colored material that releases fluoride, helping protect the surrounding tooth structure. If composite resin is used, the material is applied in layers and hardened with a special blue light, a process called curing. After the material is set, the dentist polishes the surface and checks the bite to ensure the filling feels natural and functions correctly when chewing.
When the Damage Requires Advanced Treatment
When decay is too extensive, compromising a significant portion of the tooth’s structure, a simple filling may not provide enough support. In these cases, the dentist may recommend an indirect restoration, such as an inlay or an onlay, which are custom-made restorations fabricated outside the mouth in a dental laboratory. An inlay is designed to fit within the contours of the chewing surface, while an onlay is more extensive, covering one or more of the tooth’s cusps, and is sometimes called a partial crown.
When damage is severe enough to compromise the tooth’s structural integrity, or if a tooth has undergone root canal therapy, a dental crown is often necessary. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing maximum protection and full restoration of its function. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are cemented permanently over the prepared tooth.
If the decay has advanced deeply enough to infect the pulp, which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, root canal therapy becomes the necessary treatment. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the inner chamber, and then filling and sealing the space to prevent re-infection. If the tooth is too extensively damaged to be saved by any restorative procedure, extraction is performed as a last resort.
Consequences of Delay and Future Prevention
Ignoring a hole allows bacterial acids to continue their destructive process, deepening the cavity and accelerating decay toward the pulp chamber. This progression leads to increased tooth sensitivity and localized pain, which may develop into severe, throbbing pain. Untreated decay may result in a painful infection that forms an abscess (a pocket of pus at the tooth root), which can spread to the jawbone and affect overall health.
To prevent future holes, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is important. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day helps remove plaque and bacteria before they cause significant enamel erosion. Reducing the frequency of consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks limits the fuel source for acid-producing bacteria. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, allow a dentist to identify and address early signs of decay. This proactive approach maintains the health and structural integrity of your teeth.