Final answer:
Dental caries can lead to pulp damage, necessitating drilling and filling as an initial treatment, and possibly a root canal if the infection worsens. Prompt treatments are crucial to prevent the spread of infection and more complicated issues like abscess formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dental caries can affect the pulp through dentinal tubules, lateral canals, or both; therefore, drilling and filling is the first treatment, followed by root canal treatment. When bacterial biofilms (plaque) develop on teeth, they release acids that gradually dissolve the enamel and then the dentin. Untreated lesions may reach the pulp and lead to an abscess. The tooth's structure consists of a crown with an outer layer of enamel, a middle layer of dentin, and an inner pulp cavity filled with pulp—containing blood vessels and nerves. The root canal houses the continuation of the pulp cavity and is crucial in more invasive treatments like root canals.
If caries develop, addressing them promptly can prevent progression to more severe stages. Small areas of decay can typically be managed by removing the affected tissue and filling the cavity. However, if the pulp is affected, a root canal may be necessary to remove all infected tissues and prevent the spread of the infection, potentially avoiding painful abscesses.