A dental infection could mean major discomfort and without treatment, the risk of losing your tooth. When you have persistent pain and sensitivity in a tooth, we want you to reach out right away for treatment. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about how we treat an infected tooth with root canal therapy.
The Causes and Warning Signs of Dental Infection
What causes a tooth to become infected? This occurs when harmful oral bacteria reach the inner pulp, the nerve center of each tooth. The contact could occur due to an untreated cavity, or even as a result of a damaged tooth. When the tooth becomes infected, you could experience tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, a persistent toothache, or pain in the face and jaw. There could also be swelling near the tooth or even a discharge from it. Don’t ignore these symptoms, instead contact our team for a diagnosis, as you may need a root canal to save your tooth!
Treatment with a Root Canal
The root canal procedure allows us to address interior issues like infection, protecting the tooth from being lost and sparing you further discomfort. The procedure involves our team opening the tooth so that we can access the interior. We then remove the tissues and thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth and the root canals. Once we do, we add a special restorative filling known as gutta percha. The last step involves capping the tooth with a crown. We take time to custom-make the crown, ensuring it not only fits well and ensures a balanced bite, but that it looks natural and blends with your smile too.
Steps to Ensure Your Comfort
We know that some patients have worries about a root canal, but in reality, most find the experience comparable to receiving a simple dental filling. We take steps to help ensure you are comfortable and relaxed, even if you have special needs or dental anxiety. Our team can numb the area directly with a local anesthetic, and we can also offer sedation to allow you to reach a deep state of calm and euphoria during your procedure, often with little to no memory of the process at all.
If you have any questions about the root canal procedure, or if you have an aching tooth that needs attention, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy better oral health and smile with confidence again!
Learn More About Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Browne and his team in Prairie Village, KS, want to provide treatment that preserves your smile and keeps your tooth intact. When you need to undergo restorative dentistry, then reach out to our team today by calling 913-901-8585.
