When Is A Root Canal Necessary For Your Smile?

cleveland root canal

When you don’t treat a cavity, or a tooth is severely damaged, then an infection could develop. Along with worsening discomfort, comes the risk of losing your tooth altogether. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will explain when a root canal procedure is necessary, and how we perform this vital and comfortable procedure.

The Causes of Dental Infections

Our teeth are composed of several layers. The outermost is the enamel, the hard layer that protects your tooth. Beneath that is the dentin, a sensitive material that make sup most of your tooth. Finally, at the very center and at the root canals is the pulp, the collection of living tissues that keeps your tooth healthy and functional. An infection basically means that harmful oral bacteria has come into direct contact with the pulp, which is possible via injury that damages a tooth, or a cavity that grows until it reaches the living tissues.

Dangers for Your Smile

People with an infected tooth may report soreness or aches, pain when they bite down or chew, swelling near the source of the discomfort, or even a discharge from the tooth itself. If left untreated, the infection could eventually cause the tooth to die, and then spread to other teeth or the jawbone itself. We may need to extract the tooth to protect your smile, leaving a gap in your smile that may need to be addressed with a prosthetic, such as a bridge or dental implant. To avoid worsening pain and major issues with the beauty of your smile, you need to seek treatment right away.

The Root Canal Procedure

We start by examining your smile to assess the cause and extent of your infection. Next, we administer a numbing agent to ensure you feel comfortable. We also have sedation for people with serious dental anxiety or other issues that make undergoing care difficult. We open the tooth and extract the infected tissues from within. We then clean the interior of the tooth before adding a special restorative material, known as gutta percha. The final step involves capping the tooth with a custom-made crown, one designed to look natural, ensure proper bite balance, and last for decades to come.

Afterward, we can discuss options to prevent future cases, such as wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, or maintaining better oral hygiene habits at home. A checkup and cleaning also mean we keep a close eye on your smile throughout the year.

Your Cleveland, TX Dentist’s Office Provides Endodontic Care

Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX is ready to help you avoid issues like tooth loss. To learn more about how our team could treat infected teeth, then contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.