management
Last reviewed 01/2018
Management of dental caries is undertaken by a dentist.
If the dental pulp has not been invaded by the bacterial infection, the enamel and dentine is removed and the tooth is restored with silver amalgam, synthetic resin or gold.
If the bacterial infection has invaded the pulp then the necrotic tissue must be removed by endodontic treatment. The pulp cavity is filled.
Dental abscesses are drained of pus. Antibiotics should be prescribed if there is spreading infection.