Treatment of cavities will depend upon the stage. If you have caught a cavity before it has developed, the veterinarian may use a fluoride varnish or fluoride bonding agent in order to protect the tooth from cavity development. These cases are considered reversible, as the fluoride will encourage remineralization of the tooth until it can restore itself.

However, if a cavity or cavities have already formed, the case is considered irreversible, and treatment will depend upon the progression:

In the first two stages, the carious dentin and enamel surrounding it will be removed, and the crown will be restored with an amalgam filling.

Stage 3 cavities may be endodontic disease, in which a tooth dies as a result of blood being prevented from entering the root canal. This will be treated by a root canal, which involves removal of the diseased pulpal tissue, disinfecting and scrubbing of the root canal, filling of the root canal with inert material and the restoration and sealing of the crown. There may be cause to treat gum disease before it spreads to the bone. This will be done by treating the gum tissue itself through cleaning, rinsing, and reattaching to the tooth and root.

Stage 4 and 5 cavities will likely necessitate the total removal of the tooth, and a sealant may be used on surrounding teeth in order to ensure further cavities do not form. There may be cause to treat gum disease, which may have already spread to the bone. Depending upon the extent, estimated duration, and area of the bone loss, the veterinarian may open the gum flap, clean the diseased tissue and reattach it, or may remove the diseased tissue and then utilize therapy to encourage new gum tissue.