When a tooth becomes infected, a filling may not be enough to treat your tooth and prevent it from becoming lost. However, with a root canal procedure, our team knows how to remove infected tissues and improve the health of your smile. In today’s blog, your Des Moines, IA, dentist will explain how we treat infection with endodontics.

The Causes and Warning Signs of Infection

At the center of each and every tooth is a group of living tissues known as the pulp, which is key for keeping your tooth function and healthy. The pulp is surrounded by dentin and then protected by the outer layer of enamel. However, if injury cracks or chips the enamel, or teeth grinding wears it down, or if poor oral hygiene erodes this layer, then the dentin is exposed to bacteria. Over time, the resulting decay could spread until bacteria make contact with the pulp, at which point the tooth is infected. People may experience tooth sensitivity, toothaches, pain when chewing or biting down, swelling near the tooth, or a discharge from it. If you experience one or more of these warning signs, then please let us know right away. Lack of treatment could mean the tooth becomes lost or requires extraction!

Root Canal Treatment

With a root canal, we start by administering a numbing agent, or for anxious patients, dental sedation, to keep you calm and comfortable. Next, we open the tooth to access and remove the infected tissues from within. We clean the interior of the tooth and then add a special restorative filling material. After we cure the material, the tooth is capped with a dental crown. Made form durable and lifelike materials, such as porcelain, the crown blends with your smile and offers a natural appearance.

Protecting Your Smile’s Health and Stability

Now, with a few simple steps each day you could reduce the risk of an infection or even a cavity forming in your smile. For example, be sure you brush and floss each day to remove stray food and drink particles and prevent serious plaque buildup. You should also consume fewer sugary and starch foods and drinks, as this deprives harmful bacteria of a meal. Make time to see us for an exam as well, so we can find problems in the early stages, and also perform a cleaning to remove all plaque and keep the make strong. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.

Do You Have an Infected Tooth?

Our team is ready to restore your smile with a custom and lifelike treatment, one that prevents tooth loss. For more information on addressing infected teeth, or to schedule your appointment with our Des Moines, IA team, contact Gateway Dental Group by calling 515-244-9565 today.