Saving Infected Teeth With A Root Canal

Few things seem to put a shiver down people’s spines like a root canal. Which is a shame, as this procedure, despite what you’ve heard, is a safe and comfortable treatment, one that can actually save your tooth! We use this endodontic option to repair infected teeth and prevent tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, dentist will look at the benefits of our root canal treatment, and discuss the common warning signs of an infected tooth.

The Warning Signs of an Infection

How do you know if you have an infected tooth? An infection occurs when cavities or injury to the teeth expose the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center, to harmful bacteria. The resulting infection causes serious tooth sensitivity and toothaches, as well as pain biting down or chewing. Other symptoms include headaches, jaw pain, swelling near the tooth, facial aches, and discharges from the tooth. If you begin to experience one or more of these warning signs, please let us know right away!

The Dangers of Ignoring Symptoms

Your pulp is a group of living tissues at the center of your tooth that oversees the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth. The infection, unless treated, could eventually cause these tissues to die, effectively killing the tooth. At this point, the infection could reach surrounding teeth or move into the jawbone itself, leading to serious complications for your smile’s health and stability. You could lose one or more teeth, leaving exposed gaps in your smile! To avoid tooth loss and other complications, you need to see us when you experience any persistent pain or discomfort in or around one or more of your teeth.

The Root Canal Procedure

After we administer a local anesthetic, we will open the tooth itself to remove the infected tissue from within. Next, we clean the interior and add a restorative material known as gutta percha. After we cure this material, the final step is to cap the tooth with a custom-made dental crown. Created from lifelike materials, such as ceramic, we can shade this crown to blend with your smile. The restoration also protects the tooth from further decay or infection. In many cases, the entire procedure only takes one visit to complete and helps restore and protect your smile’s health and stability. If you have any questions about treating infected teeth, or about the root canal procedure, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Restorative Care?

If you have an infected or aching tooth, then we can restore your smile’s health and beauty. For more information on our restorative treatment options, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).