Do you have a persistent pain in your tooth, one that makes eating an uncomfortable process? Then you may have more than a cavity. You may have a dental infection that needs immediate treatment! In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about how we stop toothaches with a root canal.
The Causes and Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
An infection typically occurs when harmful oral bacteria make contact with the inner pulp, the nerve center of your tooth. This could occur due to an untreated cavity or an injury to your tooth. But how do you know if you have an infected tooth? Warning signs could include tooth sensitivity, toothaches, pain when you bite down or chew, swelling near the tooth, headaches, jaw pain, and facial aches. If you have persistent pain in a tooth, then let us know right away so we can conduct an examination and plan treatment.
Steps to Keep You Comfortable
We always take time to ensure our patients are comfortable and relaxed during their treatment, even if they have dental anxiety or special needs that could complicate their ability to receive treatment. In addition to talking with you, we can also offer a local anesthesia to numb the area where the treatment is occurring. Our team can also choose one of three different sedation options to help you enter a deep state of calm with little to no memory of the procedure at all. Our team will plan the procedure in detail with digital x-rays, so we can pinpoint the position of the infection and address it with precision and accuracy once you are sedated and ready.
The Root Canal
When you are comfortable and ready, our team will gently open the tooth to access and remove the tissues from within. We then thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth and the root canals, and add a special filling known as gutta percha. The last step is to cap the tooth with a dental crown, one that we will custom-make to ensure a balanced bite, comfortable fit, and of course, a lifelike appearance. When you smile, your newly restored tooth will blend with the rest of your teeth.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat an infected tooth, or if you want to schedule a root canal procedure for an aching tooth, then contact our team today to learn more. We can help bring relief before your holiday travels, and you can use your 2024 dental insurance benefits or health savings account funds before they expire at the end of the year.
Schedule a Visit for an Endodontic Treatment
Our team wants to help you enjoy a comfortable and strong smile with a root canal procedure. Don’t end 2024 with a painful ache in your tooth, talk to our team about treatment with an endodontic procedure. For more information on our restorative treatment options, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith and our team by calling Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 262-5111.
