Decayed Molars: Can You Save Your Deteriorating Tooth?

If one of your molars is on the verge of becoming extremely decayed, you may wonder if it's possible to save your tooth. If you see a dentist soon, you may be able to repair your tooth before it becomes too decayed to save. A dentist can use a number of treatments and tools to prevent the loss of your molar. Learn more about decayed molars and how a dentist can help you save your tooth below.

Why Do Molars Decay?

Your molars are some of the largest and most important teeth in your mouth. The deep pits and fissures on the surfaces of your molars allow you to grind down and pulverize food into mush every time you chew it. If decay develops between the pits and fissures of your molars, the teeth can slowly weaken and decay. Decaying molars can become extremely painful and infected over time.

Several things may cause your molars to decay, including not cleaning your teeth properly or thoroughly. The bristles of your toothbrush must be able to remove food and plaque from the surfaces of your molars. If you leave food and plaque on your teeth for a long time, the substances can become acidic. Acid can gradually eat through the pits and fissures covering the surfaces of your teeth. 

Some people try to save their decaying molars themselves. The individuals may use store-bought dental filling to repair the decay in their molars. Some people may try to remove their tooth decay with plaque scrapers. However, both methods mentioned above may only work temporarily to fix the decay in your molars.

The best way to save your deteriorating molars is to see a dentist for treatment.

How Can a Dentist Repair and Save Your Tooth?

A dentist will need to physically remove the decay from the surfaces of your molars. A provider will use safe and effective dental tools to repair your molars, including a dental drill, scaler, and sickle probe. The tools won't damage the rest of your molars, including their enamel.

After a dentist removes the decay from your molars, they'll insert an enamel-colored filling inside them. The filling prevents bacteria, food, and plaque from entering your molars after a dentist cleans them. The material becomes as hard and resilient as tooth enamel.

If your molars required extensive repairs, a provider may cover them with tooth crowns. The crowns reinforce your molars so that they don't decay again in the future.

Learn more about molar decay and how to repair your teeth by contacting a dentist today.