About Tooth Decay
Key Highlights
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Effectively removes decayed and infected tooth structure to halt disease progression.Relieves toothache, sensitivity, and discomfort caused by cavities.Restores the tooth's shape, strength, and chewing function.Prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth, gums, or bone.Preserves the natural tooth, often avoiding the need for extraction.Improves oral health and prevents more complex, costly procedures in the future.liModern materials (like tooth-colored composites) provide aesthetic, natural-looking results./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on the tooth surface.
- Toothache or spontaneous pain, especially when eating or drinking.
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
- Mild to sharp pain when biting down.
- Brown, black, or white staining on any surface of a tooth.
- Diagnosis of a cavity via dental X-ray or clinical examination.
- Chipped or fractured tooth structure due to weakened enamel from decay.
How to prepare
- A comprehensive dental examination, including X-rays, to assess the extent of decay.
- Discussion of treatment options, materials (e.g., composite vs. amalgam), and anesthesia.
- Informing the dentist about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene prior to the appointment.
- Eating a light meal beforehand is often recommended, as eating may be uncomfortable after local anesthesia.
- For anxious patients, discussion of sedation options may be part of preparation.
Risks & possible complications
- Temporary sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth after the anesthesia wears off.
- Allergic reaction (rare) to materials used, such as metals in amalgam fillings.
- Inadvertent damage to a healthy part of the tooth or a nearby tooth during the procedure.
- Incomplete removal of decay, leading to recurrent decay under the filling or crown.
- Filling or crown fracture, dislodgement, or wear over time.
- For deep fillings, the tooth may require a root canal in the future if the nerve becomes irritated.
- Risk of infection, though very low with standard sterile techniques.
Recovery & hospital stay
- The treated area may be numb for 1-3 hours after the procedure; avoid chewing on that side.
- Some sensitivity to pressure, temperature, or sweets is common for a few days to weeks.
- Maintain oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing, avoiding the area if very sensitive initially.
- Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods on the restored tooth for 24-48 hours.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (as advised by your dentist) can manage any discomfort.
- Report persistent severe pain, swelling, or a high bite (feeling that the filling/crown is too tall) to your dentist promptly.
- Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to ensure proper healing and function.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 1-7 days (for resolution of minor sensitivity)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tooth decay in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with dental surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tooth decay. MediFyr helps you compare dental surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tooth decay compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 20 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-7 days (for resolution of minor sensitivity) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 70 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-7 days (for resolution of minor sensitivity) | Know More |
Rohan Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Rohan Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer, had always been diligent about his health but neglected his dental care due to long work hours and a fear of dentists rooted in a childhood experience. For months, he ignored a persistent sensitivity in his lower left molar when drinking anything cold. The discomfort gradually turned into a dull, throbbing ache that disrupted his sleep and concentration. During a routine check-up, his dentist, Dr. Kapoor, discovered a large cavity that had reached the inner pulp of the tooth, causing a localized infection. Dr. Kapoor explained gently that a root canal treatment was necessary to save the tooth and prevent an abscess. Rohan was anxious but trusted Dr. Kapoor's calm demeanor. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia and was painless, though the sounds and sensations were unsettling. Recovery involved mild soreness for a few days, managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. A follow-up confirmed the success, and a crown was placed. Emotionally, Rohan moved from fear and denial to relief and empowerment. He now maintains a strict oral hygiene routine and attends regular check-ups, having conquered his dental anxiety.
Dental surgeons for Tooth Decay
Explore experienced dental surgeons who regularly perform tooth decay and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 24 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 15 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
- 4 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 23 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 21 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 7 Years Experience
- Dental surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata