When a tooth is infected, this could cause major discomfort and without treatment, you risk the loss of your tooth! Our team can offer treatment for an infection to keep your smile whole and healthy. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, dentist talks about how we protect smiles with a root canal procedure.
The Causes of an Infected Tooth
What causes a tooth to develop a painful infection? At the center of each tooth is a collection of tissues known as the pulp, which control the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth. When the pulp is exposed to bacteria, this can cause infection. The exposure could be due to an untreated cavity that grew in severity and spread through the tooth, or even as a result of an injury or chronic teeth grinding. When a tooth is infected, you may experience tooth sensitivity when you eat, or even pain when biting down. Persistent toothaches could occur, as could swelling, pain in the face and jaw, and even a discharge from the tooth itself. When one or more of these symptoms arise, don’t delay in contacting our team for an appointment.
Ensuring a Comfortable Visit
We will start by taking digital x-rays of the tooth in question so we can pinpoint the position of the infection and assess the overall severity. We then plan the root canal procedure in detail. Before we start the procedure, we will take steps to ensure the experience is a comfortable one for you. With a local anesthetic, we can numb the tooth to keep you comfortable. If you have special needs, high anxiety levels, or an overactive gag reflex, we can administer sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, with little to no memory of the procedure at all! In fact, most people find the root canal experience similar to a simple filling placement.
The Root Canal Procedure
When you are properly relaxed and ready for the procedure, we will start the root canal by opening the tooth and removing the tissues from within. We then clean the interior of the tooth thoroughly, and add a special restorative filling known as gutta percha. The last step is to cap the tooth with a dental crown, so you enjoy a lifelike appearance and a durable chewing surface. The crown will be custom-made for you and provide years of protection against decay and infection. If you have any questions about root canal therapy, then contact our team today.
Schedule A Visit for Endodontic Treatment
With an endodontic treatment, our team can offer care for advanced tooth decay or infection! To schedule this surgery, call Silk Dental in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 969-SILK (7455).
