Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)

Decay often begins in hard-to-clean areas. Left untreated, a small area of decay becomes larger. Decay spreads beneath the enamel, to the dentin, destroying more tooth structure. Once decay enters the pulp, an abscess may occur. The tooth will need endodontic treatment or may need to be extracted.

Step 1:	Step 2:
Beginning stages of decay	Decay becomes larger if left untreated.

Step 3:	Step 4:
Decay spreads to more tooth structures.	An abscess may occur.