They are many different dental services that may be provided at your dentist's office. Some of these services are preventive, but others are restorative. Here are several restorative services that may be used to correct problems from tooth decay:

Fillings

Fillings are often used to treat cavities, which form as your teeth are exposed to acid. The food and drinks that you consume are sometimes highly acidic, and this acid can dissolve your tooth enamel. In addition, the bacteria within your mouth produce enamel-damaging acid as they feed.

Once the minerals within your tooth enamel become dissolved, cavities or holes form. These holes can become progressively worse if not treated in a timely manner using a dental filling. In some instances, if the decay remains untreated, it can spread to other teeth or become so severe that an extraction is necessary.

Before your dentist fills a cavity, he or she removes the decayed material from the tooth. The filling material, which can consist of a wide variety of dental substances, such as resin, silver amalgam, porcelain or gold, is used to fill the hole in the tooth and prevent the entry of bacteria that could result in an infection. Once the filling is in place, the functionality of your tooth is restored. If a tooth-colored filling is applied, the appearance of your repaired tooth remains natural-looking. 

Root Canals

A root canal is performed when the nerves of a tooth have been affected by decay. The dental nerves lie in the soft center of a tooth, which is called the pulp. The pulp is usually protected by the tooth enamel and the dentin, but as decay progresses, oral bacteria can gain entry to the pulp. The resulting infection can inflame the delicate nerves within the soft tissue, causing uncomfortable symptoms, such as an increased sensitivity to cold and heat and persistent dental pain.

During a root canal, the pulp of the tooth is removed. The dental nerves are eliminated when the pulp is removed, so all discomfort associated with the affected tooth is relieved by the root canal.

After the pulp's removal, a disinfectant is applied to kill any remaining bacteria within the tooth. The tooth is then filled and covered with a dental crown. With the crown in place, the tooth can be used to chew or bite in the usual manner.

To learn more about restorative dental procedures that can be used to treat problems from tooth decay, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your local area. For more information, you will want to contact a company such as All About Smiles pllc.