How Does a Root Canal Stop Infections?
January 21, 2019
A dental infection puts your smile at risk of everything from serious discomfort to tooth loss. In order to restore the health and function of your smile, and put a stop to painful aches, we may suggest root canal therapy. How does endodontic treatment help improve smiles in Kansas City? What does the procedure involve?
The Cause (And Warning Signs) Of an Infected Tooth
The problem occurs when harmful bacteria reaches the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. This contact may happen due to untreated tooth decay, which spreads throughout the tooth and eventually reaches the pulp, or via injury, such as a cracked or broken tooth. Patients with infected teeth may report toothaches, pain when biting down or chewing, fever, swelling around the tooth, or a discharge from the tooth itself. Don’t ignore these warning signs, as untreated infection could eventually require dental extraction to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or the jawbone itself.
The Endodontic Process
A root canal procedure offers a solution to infected teeth. We begin by administering a local anesthesia and possibly dental sedation. We then open the tooth and remove the infected tissue from within. After we thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth, we will apply a restorative filling material. Finally, we cap the tooth with a custom-made dental crown. Designed to blend with your smile, the crown looks natural and also protects the tooth from oral health issues. People find the procedure to be safe, comfortable, and a great way to safeguard their smile from the serious impact of dental infection.
Protecting Your Smile
Did you know that by seeing us every six months for a checkup, we have the chance to monitor your smile and watch for the warning signs of decay and infected teeth? We then treat the issue before you experience discomfort! Other ways of safeguarding your smile include brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing every night before bed, as well as cutting back on sugary foods and drinks. You should see us if your teeth become injured or if you notice any persistent aches or sensitivity. A routine cleaning, which we perform in your checkup visit, removes plaque and also helps protect your teeth from cavities, infection, and even gingivitis and gum disease. If you have any questions about our endodontic treatment options, or if you think your smile could benefit from treatment, then contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy optimal oral health!
Do You Have Questions About Root Canal Therapy?
If you have an infected or abscessed tooth, then you may benefit from endodontic treatment options. To schedule a consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.