What is the main purpose of cavity preparation?

The main purpose of cavity preparation is to remove dental decay. During the cavity preparation process, the dentist cleans out the decayed portion of the tooth to ensure that all the infected material is eliminated. This step is critical because it prevents further decay and complications, allowing for the proper restoration of the tooth with materials such as fillings. By addressing the decay effectively, the health of the tooth is preserved, and pain or sensitivity associated with the cavity is alleviated.

Whitening teeth, fitting crowns, and assessing gum health are different procedures that focus on improving aesthetics or assessing periodontal status, but they do not directly address the immediate need to remove decay from a tooth. Therefore, the central aspect of cavity preparation is its role in creating a clean, healthy structure for restorative work following the removal of decay.