When you have a tooth that becomes infected or abscessed, this could cause serious pain and even lead to missing teeth. To save the tooth and offer relief, your Des Moines, IA, dentist could provide treatment with an endodontic procedure, also known as a root canal treatment. This safe and gentle option can help safeguard your oral health!
The Painful Symptoms of Infection
An infection means harmful oral bacteria reaches your pulp, the nerve center of your tooth. Typically, the pulp is surrounded by dentin and protected by the outer enamel, but poor oral hygiene could allow plaque buildup to weaken and erode the enamel, causing cavities that grow with time. You could also grind your teeth or sustain an injury that compromises the enamel and closes the dentin, and eventually, the pulp. Warning signs of an infected tooth include pain when you eat and chew, toothaches and tooth sensitivity, swelling near the tooth, headaches and jaw pain, or a discharge from the tooth itself. If you encounter regular pain in your smile, let us know right away!
Treatment with Root Canal Therapy
We begin with a diagnosis, using advanced digital x-rays and intraoral camera images to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. If we find an infection or severe cases of tooth decay, we will proceed with a root canal. First, we make sure you’re comfortable with a local anesthetic and also sedation if needed, so you feel calm and comfortable as we treat your tooth. Next, we open the tooth and remove the tissues from within. We add a restorative filling material after we clean the interior of the tooth, and then cap it with a custom crown. In one visit, this can bring relief and protect your smile from tooth loss or the spread of infection. This is a safe and gentle way to offer comfort and safeguard your oral health.
Preventive Care
Preventive measures at home and in our office can also be implemented to protect your smile from these issues. Be sure you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, for two minutes each time. You should also floss every evening, and try to cut back on the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Be sure you schedule a visit with our team every six months for a checkup and cleaning as well. If you have any questions, then please give us a call.
TALK TO YOUR DES MOINES, IA DENTIST’S OFFICE ABOUT TREATING INFECTED TEETH
Our team wants to help bring relief for issues like an infected or an abscessed tooth. If you would like to find out more about treating serious oral health concerns, then contact your Des Moines, IA, dentist, Dr. Burds, by calling 515-244-9565.