When a tooth develops an infection, this could be a source of major discomfort and without treatment, could lead to missing teeth. But we can stop discomfort and help preserve your tooth with an endodontic treatment. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about the benefits of root canal therapy.

The Causes and Risks of an Infected Tooth

At the center of every tooth is a collection of nerve tissues known as the pulp. These control the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth. An infection means that harmful bacteria have made contact with the pulp, usually through an untreated cavity or a serious injury to the tooth. Without treatment, discomfort could increase in severity until you have persistent toothaches and pain when you bite or chew. Swelling is possible, as is pain in the face and jaw or even a discharge from the tooth. Without treatment, the infection could reach other teeth or move into the jawbone, and you could risk losing the tooth completely. You need a root canal to keep your smile whole.

The Root Canal Procedure

When you have persistent pain in a tooth, come see us for a diagnosis. We will examine your tooth with digital x-rays to assess the position and severity of the issue. If you need a root canal, we will move forward with treatment. Our team will numb your tooth with dental anesthesia and could also recommend sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. We then open the tooth to remove the tissue from within. We will clean the interior of your tooth. Next, we add a restorative filling material and then cap the tooth with a dental crown.

Steps to Protect Your Smile

To help lower your risk of tooth decay and infection, be sure you brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, and then make time to floss every evening to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot. Try to cut back on the sugar in your diet, and see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat issues like infection with a root canal, or if you want to schedule your first checkup and cleaning of 2025, then contact our team today to get started.

Schedule An Appointment for Endodontic Treatment

We want to provide restorative treatment to help address severe decay or an infection, keeping your smile intact! Schedule an appointment with Delightful Dental in Kansas City, MO, today at 816-942-7669 today. You deserve a healthy and comfortable smile, and we want to help you!