When a tooth becomes infected, this could mean serious pain and even difficulty eating. To treat the problem and prevent complications, you may need an endodontic treatment. In today’s blog, your Des Moines, IA, dentist talks about to avoid tooth loss and worsening pain with a root canal procedure.
The Causes and Symptoms of Infected Teeth
How do you know if a tooth is infected? Well, if you attend six-month visits for checkups, we will likely uncover trouble in the earliest stages of tooth decay. Otherwise, you may not know until you experience persistent aches and sensitivity, pain when you eat or bite down, swelling near the tooth, headaches and jaw pain, or a discharge from the tooth.
An infection happens when the inner pulp, the nerve center of your tooth, encounters oral bacteria. This could happen through an untreated cavity or a tooth that is worn down by teeth grinding or damaged in an injury. Lack of treatment could mean the loss of your tooth and the spread of infection, so let us know right away when you experience discomfort!
Treatment with Endodontics
First, we will make sure you feel confident by administering a local anesthetic and possibly sedation if you have anxiety. We then open the tooth to remove the tissues from within. We clean the interior and root canals, and then add a special filling material. The final step of the root canal is to cap the tooth with a custom and lifelike dental crown. This means the tooth looks natural and can avoid further discomfort and damage. The treatment prevents tooth loss and the spread of infection is halted! In as little as one visit, we can bring relief.
Avoiding the Onset of Infection
Steps can then be taken to avoid an infected tooth. For example, take time to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and at night for two minutes each time. Also, be sure you floss every evening. This controls plaque buildup and helps prevent cavities. You also help but reducing your consumption of sugary and starchy foods and drinks which fed harmful bacteria. A visit every six months for a checkup and cleaning is also recommended, as this can allow us to monitor the smile and remove all plaque and tartar buildup.
If you have any questions about the root canal process, then contact our team today to learn more.
YOUR DES MOINES, IA DENTIST OFFERS ENDODONTIC TREATMENT
We would like to help your smile stay whole and healthy in the wake of an infection. If you have any questions about how to treat serious discomfort in your smile, then contact your Des Moines, IA, dentist, Dr. Burds, by calling 515-244-9565.