EME Medical › Articles

Tooth decay: filling or root canal?

Many people ask: “My tooth has decay — does it need a filling or a root canal?”. The answer depends on how far the decay has reached.

💬 One of our patients' most common questions

📅 2026-10-02⏱️ 4 min read

Stages of decay

Enamel: a white or brown spot, usually painless — a small filling or even fluoride.
Dentine: sensitivity to sweets and cold — a composite filling.
Pulp (nerve): strong or spontaneous pain — root canal treatment followed by a crown.

Why regular check-ups matter

Early decay doesn't hurt; finding it at a check-up or on an X-ray saves you bigger, more expensive treatment.

How to prevent decay

Fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Fewer sugary snacks between meals.
Fissure sealants for children's molars.

🦷 Related services

🔧 Composite fillings 🦷 Root canal treatment

Frequently asked questions

Can decay come back under a filling?

It can, if care is poor or the filling is old; regular check-ups catch it early.

Have another question?
Book a consultation or message us on WhatsApp.

📅 Book a consultation

🩺 Medically reviewed by: Dr. Mohammad Alshami (Dentist — Oral Surgery & Dental Implants) and Dr. Sohaib Alshami (Surgeon — Aesthetic Medicine) · Last reviewed: 2026-10-02

This information is for general education and does not replace an examination or medical consultation.

Sterilisation & clinic hygiene: how we protect you at every visitHow to book — and what to bring on your first visitWhy does dental treatment cost differ from patient to patient?Toothache: causes and what to do until you see usSkin glow: which treatment suits me?Zirconia or veneers? The difference made simple