An infected tooth could lead to serious discomfort and without treatment, the risk of tooth loss. Which is why we want to offer an endodontic treatment known as a root canal to save the tooth and keep smiles whole. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about how we can save an infected tooth with a root canal.
The Causes of Your Infected Tooth
What causes a tooth to become infected? An infection means that bacteria have made contact with the pulp, the nerve center of your tooth. This collection of living tissues is usually protected by dentin and the outer enamel, but an untreated cavity or serious injury to the tooth could expose this area to bacteria. When the tooth is infected, treatment is crucial to avoid the loss of the tooth and the spread of infection. When you experience warning signs, you should see us right away. These could include tooth sensitivity when you eat or bite down, toothaches, pain in the face and jaw, headaches, swelling near the tooth, or even a discharge from the tooth itself.
The Root Canal Procedure
Our team will examine your smile with digital x-rays to assess the position and severity of the infection, so we can plan the root canal procedure in detail. To keep you comfortable, we will administer a local anesthesia and offer sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. We then open the tooth to access and remove the tissues from within. We clean the interior of the tooth and then add a special filling known as gutta percha. The last step is to cap the tooth with a durable and lifelike dental crown. In as little as one visit we can stop infection and discomfort, and protect your tooth from being lost.
Preventing Future Infections
You can take actions to help limit the risk of tooth decay and infection! For example, start and end your day by brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss veery evening, and try to cut back on the amount of sugar and starch in your diet. We also urge you to see our team for a checkup and cleaning visit every six months. If you have any questions about how our team will treat an infected tooth with a dental infection, or if you have an aching tooth that needs attention, then contact our team today to get started!
Treat Your Aching Tooth With Help From Delightful Dental Care
Our team wants to treat an infected tooth and keep your smile intact and comfortable. To find out more about endodontic treatment options, call Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO at (816) 942-7669.