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Fillings (restorations)
It is important to start treatment before tooth decay becomes worse. More severe decay may cause pain and tooth loss and may require a costly crown, a root canal, or tooth removal (extraction).
Some dentists now use a laser system to remove tooth decay and prepare the tooth for filling. Laser treatment is a relatively new choice for dental treatment and may not be available in your area.
Complete the special treatment information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: November 2, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry | |
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