When you have an infected tooth, this could mean pain when you eat and the risk of losing a tooth altogether. Fortunately, we have a treatment option to address an infection and return smiles to full function, health, and beauty. In today’s blog, your Des Moines, IA, dentist will talk about the benefits of a root canal procedure.
The Causes of an Infection
An infection means that harmful oral bacteria has come into contact with your inner pulp, a collection of nerve tissues that keeps your tooth functional. Unless addressed, this could cause the pulp to die and effectively kill the tooth, leading to tooth loss and the spread of infection to other parts of your smile. A cracked, broken, or chipped tooth could expose the dentin or pulp, causing decay and eventually infection. Poor oral hygiene that erodes enamel and leads to cavities could also be a factor.
When to See Treatment
People with an infected tooth may report pain when they bite down or chew, or a persistent ache that doesn’t pass with time. Other warning signs include headaches, jaw pain, swelling near a tooth, or even a discharge from the aching tooth. If you begin to experience one or more of these warning signs, then contact our team. We will perform a detailed examination of your smile, which enables us to identify issues that need treatment, including an advanced cavity or an infected tooth. From there, we can decide on the best course of treatment.
The Root Canal Process
If we decide to offer a root canal, we will first administer a local anesthetic and possibly sedation to ensure you enjoy a calm and a comfortable experience. We then open the tooth itself and remove the infected tissues from inside. We then thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth and the root canals, before filling it w with a special restorative material known as gutta percha. After we cure the material, we cap the tooth with a custom-made dental crown to ensure a lifelike appearance and quality protection against further decay or infection.
Protecting Your Smile
To prevent further oral health tissues, you can start by taking time to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, for at least two minutes each session. Each evening you also need to floss, and we recommend seeing us for a cleaning every six months. If you have any questions, then give us a call today!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR RESTORATION PROCESS?
We know that treating and infected tooth is crucial for avoiding tooth loss and painful symptoms. To learn more about our approach to treating an infected tooth, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Burds by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, at (515) 244-9565.