Final answer:
Osteotomy is the surgical removal of bone. It differs from root canal therapy, which is required when tooth decay affects the pulp, necessitating the removal of infected tissues to prevent abscesses. Microbes, particularly Streptococcus mutans, contribute to tooth decay through acid production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteotomy is defined as a surgical procedure involving the removal of bone. When caries develop in teeth, prompt treatment is necessary to prevent the condition from worsening. If the decay is not too extensive, affected tissue can be drilled and filled. However, if the decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal therapy may be required. The treatment involves removing the infected tissues to prevent the spread of the infection and the formation of painful abscesses.Microbes, particularly bacteria, play a significant role in contributing to tooth decay. They produce acids from the fermentation of food debris and sugars in the mouth, which leads to enamel demineralization and cavitation. The most important cariogenic species of bacteria implicated in tooth decay is Streptococcus mutans.