Infection could cause painful aches and discomfort when you eat, and over time, increase the risk of a missing tooth. But we can take on your infected tooth and provide relief, preserving your smile in the process. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about root canal treatment.
The Causes and Risks of an Infected Tooth
What causes your tooth to become infected? An infection could be the result of an untreated cavity, or a serious injury to the tooth, that has allowed harmful oral bacteria to reach the pulp, the nerve center of your tooth. Once this happens, the tooth is infected and discomfort increases in severity. You could experience toothaches, tooth sensitivity, pain when you bite down or chew, swelling, or pain in the face or jaw. There could even be a discharge from the tooth itself. When one or more of these possible symptoms present themselves, you should make an appointment with our team right away. Otherwise, the infection could allow the tooth to die and require extraction to avoid infection reaching other teeth or moving into the jaw!
Planning and Preparing for Your Procedure
Our team will start by gathering detailed digital images and x-rays of your tooth. We want to pinpoint the position and severity of your infection, so we can plan treatment in detail. Our team will take steps to ensure you are comfortable throughout the entire process. Along with a local anesthetic to the area being treated, our team can also offer dental sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, with little to no memory of the procedure. This is especially helpful for our patients with dental anxiety or special needs!
Root Canal Therapy
Once you are ready for the root canal, our team will open the tooth so that we can access and remove the tissues from within. Once we have extracted the tissues, we will clean the interior of the tooth thoroughly. Next, we add a special restorative filling to the interior, known as gutta percha. The last step of the process is to cap the tooth with a crown. The restoration will be custom-made using lifelike and durable materials, such as porcelain or zirconia. This ensures a lifelike appearance, balanced bite, and protection from further decay or discomfort.
To help lower your risk of future infections, be sure you brush and floss daily, limit the amount of sugar and starch in your diet, and avoid tobacco products. Make time to see our team for routine checkups and cleanings every six months too, so we can monitor your smile and remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup. If you have any questions about how our team can save your infected tooth with a root canal, then contact our office to learn more today.
Learn More About Restorative Dentistry
If you have aching teeth, we can offer relief with a root canal! When you are ready to schedule your appointment with our office, contact Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX at 972-262-5111.
