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General / Cavity Treatment

Cavity Treatment

Do not let anxiety delay a dental examination. Finding and treating a small cavity early can preserve more of your natural tooth.

Caries Treating Cavities Early Matters

An established cavity can worsen and does not repair itself naturally. Do not let dental anxiety delay assessment of a small problem.

Decay begins when acids produced by bacteria damage the hard outer tooth surface. Early decay may cause little pain, but can progress deeper towards the pulp, requiring more extensive treatment and making the tooth harder to preserve.

Our approach prioritises preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible when treating decay. Early detection and treatment can preserve more of the tooth, making check-ups and prompt care important.

Restoring a cavity with tooth-coloured material

Key points What to Know About Cavities

Early decay often has few symptoms and is found during routine examinations.
Untreated decay may reach the pulp and require root canal treatment.
Treating a small cavity can preserve more natural tooth structure.

When to visit When to Have a Check-up

01 Sensitivity or pain with cold water or sweet foods
02 A dark area or small hole on a tooth
03 Food repeatedly getting stuck between particular teeth
04 A long interval since your last check-up

Diagnosis & Treatment How Are Cavities Diagnosed and Treated?

An oral examination may be supplemented with diagnostic imaging such as panoramic X-rays or 3D CT where indicated to assess areas between teeth or beneath restorations. Treatment is tailored to the extent of decay, preserving as much tooth as possible.

Small Cavities: Composite Resin - Decay is carefully removed and the cavity filled with tooth-coloured resin.
Larger Cavities: Inlays and Onlays - A precisely made restoration repairs more extensive damage, such as a larger area of a molar's chewing surface.
Extensive Damage: Crowns - A crown covers and protects a weakened remaining tooth.
Decay Reaching the Pulp: Root Canal Treatment - When decay affects the pulp, Root Canal Treatment can help preserve the tooth before a protective crown is fitted.

If dental anxiety has delayed treatment, ask about our IV sedation options during consultation.

Prevention Aftercare and Prevention

Dental Check-ups - Every 6-12 months, Dental Check-ups helps detect decay early.
Scaling - Regular Scaling removes plaque and calculus associated with decay and gum disease.
Effective Daily Cleaning - Brush at least twice daily and clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
Restoration Checks - Resin fillings, inlays and crowns can develop gaps over time and need regular assessment.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Anaesthesia helps manage discomfort. If you have significant dental anxiety, ask whether IV sedation is suitable for your treatment.
A resin filling can directly repair a small cavity. An inlay is a separately made restoration used for a larger defect. The size and location of decay determine the appropriate option.
Temporary sensitivity can occur and often settles gradually. Visit the clinic if it persists or becomes worse.
Decay can reach the pulp and lead to root canal treatment or extraction. Early treatment can preserve more of the natural tooth.
BC

Source Content: Author & Medical Reviewer

Baek Chang Hyun Director, Seoul Point Dental Clinic

The Korean source of this treatment guide was written and reviewed by Director Baek Chang Hyun, a prosthodontic specialist certified by Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare. Seoul Point Dental Clinic prioritises accurate diagnosis and honest consultation.

  • Prosthodontic specialist certified by Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare
  • Seoul National University School of Dentistry; master's and doctoral degrees in dentistry
  • Certified practitioner and lifetime member, Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
  • Certified practitioner, Korean Academy of Stomatognathic Function and Occlusion
Korean source last reviewed 2026.07.29. Source author and medical reviewer: Director Baek Chang Hyun
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