When you have persistent pain in your tooth, the kind of aches and sensitivity that doesn’t pass after 48 hours, then you need to see your Astoria, NY dentist. Otherwise, a very serious oral health issue could develop, one that threatens the loss of your tooth! Find out how a root canal can prevent an infected tooth from becoming lost.
The Warning Signs and Dangers of Infected Teeth
The problem starts when our outer layer of tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, becomes compromised. Poor oral hygiene or injury could weaken or damage this layer, enabling harmful bacteria access to the inner layers of tooth structure, which are sensitive and porous. A cavity then forms and the decay will continue to spread until eventually bacteria comes into contact with the pulp, a bundle of nerve tissues that keep the tooth alive and healthy. An infection then forms!
Warning signs include persistent aches and pain, such as discomfort when you eat and bite down. Swelling near the tooth, a discharge from the aching tooth, and fever and headaches could also occur. Don’t ignore persistent pain in your smile, let us know right away so we can perform a diagnosis and if necessary, recommend treatment.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal procedure is designed specifically to address an infection. After we administer a local anesthetic to ensure the patient’s comfort, we open the tooth to remove the infected tissue from within. After we clean the interior of your tooth, we add a special restorative material. The final step involves capping the tooth with a custom-made dental crown, usually created from ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal to provide durability and a lifelike appearance. The treatment prevents worsening infection and tooth loss, and ensures your tooth looks natural afterward.
Keeping Smiles Healthy
What can be done to avoid the onset of cavities and infection? To start, make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss before bed as well. These actions remove food particles, which could feed harmful bacteria. You should cut back on sugary foods and drinks, and let us know you if you encounter pain or sensitivity. A visit every six months for a checkup and cleaning is also helpful, as we can identify possible concerns in the early stages, often before you experience discomfort. If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Pain in Your Smile?
We can address your discomfort, often in as little as one visit, saving your tooth in the process. For more information on our restorative treatment options, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
