The fillings, or restorations, may be of gold foil, baked porcelain, synthetic cements, silver amalgam, or cast gold inlays. When decay has reached the pulp of a tooth, it may be necessary to extract the tooth. Whenever possible, however, the exposed pulp is re-covered, or capped, and the tooth is then filled. New techniques of root canal therapy are saving many teeth that would formerly have been lost. There is no cure for tooth decay.
Prevention is the only real answer to the problem.
This means scrupulous cleanliness and removal of plaque. The teeth should be thoroughly brushed at least once a day, and preferably after every meal. Dental floss or tape should be used to remove any particles of food from between the teeth. If teeth cannot be brushed after every meal, the mouth should be thoroughly rinsed with water. Diet, too, plays a most important part in the prevention of tooth decay.