Keeping Your Smile Whole With A Root Canal
When a tooth is infected, this means an injury or tooth decay has exposed your inner pulp. Without treatment, the infection could not only mean aching teeth, but could cause tooth loss too. To preserve the tooth and keep your smile whole, your Cleveland, TX, dentist could offer root canal treatment.
The Causes and Warning Signs of an Infected Tooth
An infected tooth means that harmful oral bacteria has reached your inner pulp, the tooth’s nerve center. This could be caused by issues like tooth decay, or when a tooth is cracked or chipped, as all of the factors could expose the tooth’s sensitive inner tissues. Warning signs could vary, but often include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, jaw pain, facial ashes, toothaches, or pain when you bite down and chew. This could eventually lead to headaches, swelling near the tooth, or even a discharge from it. If you begin to experience one or more of these possible warning signs, then let us know right away.
Treatment with a Root Canal
To treat the infection with a root canal, we will begin by taking detailed digital x-rays to assess the state of the infection and to plan the treatment. We then administer a local anesthetic and possibly sedation to ensure you’re calm and comfortable throughout the process. The tooth is then opened so we can access and remove the infected tissues from within. Once we do, we will clean the interior of the tooth and add a special restorative filling material. The last step involves capping the tooth with a custom-made crown, one that not only looks natural but also protects the tooth from further injury or decay. This could take only one visit, and bring instant relief from the painful symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
Taking Steps to Protect Your Smile
To help lower your risk of developing an infected tooth, be sure you take time daily to brush your teeth and floss, as this removes the particles of food that feed harmful oral bacteria. Try to cut back on sugar and starch in your diet too, as the particles from these items are what tend to cling to the teeth for bacteria to consume. Make time to see us for a checkup and cleaning visit as well, so we can keep a close eye on your smile.
Do You Have an Aching Tooth?
We would like to help restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. If you have any questions about our endodontic treatment options, or if you would like to schedule a consultation today, please contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.