A Root Canal Treats Your Infected Tooth
When you have a tooth that is infected or abscessed, this could cause major discomfort and without care, the tooth could be lost or require extraction. To offer treatment and bring relief from discomfort, we could suggest root canal therapy. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about endodontic treatment.
The Causes and Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
A cavity means that bacteria has reached the sensitive inner dentin, which makes up most of the tooth. This could be caused by poor oral hygiene that weakens enamel, or due to teeth grinding or injury to a tooth. But an infection means that bacteria has reached the pulp, the nerve tissues at the center of every tooth. The pulp keeps a tooth healthy and functional, and the presence of infection could eventually mean the death of the tooth, requiring extraction to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the smile. Warning signs include pain when you bite down and chew, headaches, jaw pain, swelling near the tooth, or even a discharge from it. When these symptoms arise, you need to let us know right away!
Root Canal Therapy
With root canal therapy, our team can treat an infected tooth and bring relief, while also preserving your smile. We first want to plan the treatment with precision, so we use digital x-rays and intraoral cameras to perform a precise and accurate diagnosis. Next, we numb the tooth with a local anesthetic, and may also provide sedation to help anxious patients enter a calm and relaxed state. When you’re ready, we open the tooth to remove the infected tissues. The interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and a special restorative material is added. Finally, we cap the tooth with a dental crown. The crown is custom-made to ensure a lifelike appearance, allowing it to blend with your smile.
Taking Steps to Prevent Infection
You can also take steps to help lower your risk of cavities and infection. For example, be sure you brush and floss daily to prevent cavities and infection, and also see us every six months for checkup and cleaning visits. At home, try to avoid foods and drinks high in sugar and starch, as this makes decay more likely. These actions help protect your smile from not only tooth decay and infection, but gingivitis and gum disease too!
Ready to Receive Endodontic Treatment?
We’re ready to help you avoid the risk of worsening pain or tooth loss. If you have any questions about treating serious issues with a tooth, 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.