When a tooth develops an infection, treatment is needed to not only stop discomfort, but avoid the risk of tooth loss. Our team can employ an endodontic treatment known as a root canal to safely and gently treat the tooth. In today’s blog, your Syosset, NY, dentist talks about how we save infected teeth with a root canal.
The Causes of a Dental Infection
Infection means that harmful oral bacteria have reached the nerve center of your tooth, the collection of tissues at the center of it known as the pulp. This could happen for several reasons. The most common is an untreated cavity, which allows the decay to spread throughout the tooth and eventually reach the pulp. Teeth grinding or injury could compromise the outer enamel and inner dentin, leaving the pulp vulnerable to exposure. When this happens, you will experience a host of uncomfortable symptoms, and should see our team right away for treatment.
Warning Signs and Possible Dangers
For many, warning signs consist of tooth sensitivity when eating and drinking, or a toothache that doesn’t subside after a few days. You may have pain when you bite down or chew, and aches in the face and jaw. Swelling near the tooth or a discharge from it could also occur. Lack of treatment means the infection could grow severe enough that it adheres other teeth or moves into the jawbone. You could also risk the loss of one or more teeth! To keep your smile healthy and whole, you should seek treatment with our team. A root canal can address the infection and preserve your tooth.
Root Canal Therapy
To start the root canal process, we will take detailed digital images of the tooth so we can plan the procedure and avoid sensitive structures in the process. We will administer a local numbing agent and sedation to help you stay calm and comfortable throughout the process, so your treatment experience is a positive one. Next, we will open the tooth to access and remove the tissues from within. The interior is then thoroughly cleaned before we add a special restorative filling known as gutta percha. The last step is to create a custom crown and place it onto the tooth, which covers it and protects it from further injury, decay, or infection. We take care to ensure it also provides a balanced bite and looks natural too.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat an infected tooth with a root canal, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Endodontic Treatment?
We don’t want an infection to lead to gaps in your smile and worsening discomfort, which is why we offer restorative care. To learn more about our endodontic treatment options, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
