Our Dental Blog

When a tooth becomes infected, treatment is crucial for preventing a lost tooth and the spread of infection. In order to treat an infected tooth, your Kansas City, MO, dentist may prescribe a unique endodontic treatment known as a root canal. Find out how we use this procedure to stop infections, often in one visit.

Infections and Missing Teeth

The enamel coating our teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, protecting the sensitive and porous inner layers of dentin. However, should a tooth end up cracked or chipped, or should poor oral hygiene weaken and erode tooth enamel, then bacteria will make contact with the dentin and cause a cavity. Over time, this cavity will grow until the inner pulp, the tooth’s nerve center, is exposed as well. Now, a tooth becomes infected. As with a cavity, the infection grows more severe with time until the tooth essentially dies. Tooth loss occurs, or the tooth is extracted to prevent the spread of infection, leading to embarrassing gaps in your smile.

Root Canal Therapy

If you begin to notice persistent pain in your smile, especially when you eat, let us know. Other symptoms include swelling near the tooth or a discharge from the tooth. If we find your tooth is infected, then we will administer a local anesthetic and open the tooth to remove the infected tissue from within. Afterward, we clean the inside of the tooth and add a special restorative material. The final step involves capping the tooth with a strong and durable crown, one that can often be created to match the appearance of surrounding teeth, blending with your smile. For some, this only takes one visit and helps prevent tooth loss.

Preventing Poor Oral Health

First, make time to see us every six months. With routine visits, we can monitor your smile and identify decay and infection in the earliest possible stages. At home, brushing and flossing daily helps remove food particles to control plaque buildup and prevent enamel erosion. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks can also be beneficial, as is a professional dental cleaning during your checkup visits. A few simple changes to your daily routine can go a long way toward keeping your smile healthy and free of a serious trouble. If you have any questions about our restorative treatment options, then please contact our team today.

Do You Have an Aching Tooth?

We would like to help you maintain healthy and bright teeth for years to come, which means addressing many common oral health issues. To learn more about treatments for infected teeth, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.