Hesperian Health Guides

Chapter 10: How to Treat a Cavity


HealthWiki > Where There Is No Dentist > Chapter 10: How to Treat a Cavity


In this chapter:

When someone’s tooth hurts, you do not always need to take it out. There may be a way to treat it and keep it. Always ask yourself whether a bad tooth really needs to come out.

This chapter is about treating cavities. Cavities are the holes that tooth decay makes in the teeth.

a man pointing to his mouth while thinking.
Could I do something to save that tooth?

From this chapter, you can learn:

  • how to decide which treatment to use for a cavity.
  • how to use silver diamine fluoride (SDF).
  • how to place a temporary cement filling.
  • how to place a permanent filling using Atraumatic Restorative Treatment.


This page was updated:17 May 2024