What Happens When My Tooth Is Infected?

cleveland root canal

When a tooth develops a very severe case of tooth decay, or if a tooth is infected, then you need more than a filling to avoid worsening pain or the risk of tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will explain how we treat infection with a root canal procedure, and ensure the smile continues to look great afterward.

The Warning Signs of Infection

An infection means that harmful bacteria have come into contact with your inner pulp, the living tissues that keeps your tooth functional and healthy. This could happen as a result of a cracked or chipped tooth, which exposes the dentin and enables cavities to form and spread, eventually exposing the pulp. Other causes include poor oral hygiene that weakens and erodes enamel, or teeth grinding that wears down the protective layer. Warning signs may include tooth sensitivity, toothaches, pain when you eat or bite down, swelling, or a discharge from the tooth. If you encounter one or more of these potential warning signs, we hope you will let us know right away!

The Root Canal Treatment

To start, we will examine your smile with digital technology, which helps us diagnose the presence of an infection or advanced case of tooth decay. We can then plan your treatment. If you require a root canal to treat the infection, we will administer a local numbing agent to ensure you feel comfortable, and then open the tooth to remove the infected tissues from inside. We then thoroughly clean the interior of your tooth before applying a special restorative material known as gutta percha. The final step involves placing a cap over your tooth. The crown will be custom-made ensuring a lifelike appearance and durable, dependable repair that safeguards your smile.

Preserving Your Smile

Now that you know how we stop an infected tooth; how do we prevent them? Routine care both at home and in the office is essential for protecting smiles from issues like tooth decay or dental infection. We start with a checkup and cleaning every six months, in which we watch for the warning signs of an infected tooth, and remove all plaque and tartar, which could otherwise erode outer enamel. At home, you should brush your teeth when you wake up and again before, bed, and also floss before bed too. We also suggest eating a healthier diet and cutting back on sugary and starchy items.

Your Cleveland, TX Dentist’s Office Provides Endodontic Care

Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX is ready to treat the cause of your pain and restore your smile. To find out more about how ensure the continued health and stability of your smile, then contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.