When a tooth develops a serious infection, treatment is crucial for avoiding the complete loss of the tooth. In order to remove infected tissues and put a stop to major discomfort, your Astoria, NY, dentist may prescribe a root canal procedure. In today’s blog, we’re looking at how this treatment offers a gentle solution to a serious oral health issue.
The Dangers of an Infected or Abscessed Tooth
An infection or abscess means the living issues at the center of your tooth, known as the pulp, have come into contact with harmful bacteria. These tissues control the flow of blood and nutrients to and from your teeth, essential for keeping yourself healthy and whole. Unless treated, an infection could mean the tissues die, which effectively kills the tooth and means infection can not only spread to the rest of your smile, but lead to tooth loss as well. If you begin to experience warning signs, such as tooth sensitivity and toothaches, swelling near a tooth or a discharge from it, headaches, and jaw pain, then let us know right away.
The Root Canal Therapy Procedure
First, we will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you feel comfortable during the procedure. If you have anxiety, we may discuss dental sedation too. We then open the tooth so we can reach and remove the infected tissues from within, Next, we use water and sodium hypochlorite to clean and disinfect the interior of the root canals. After adding a special restorative material known as gutta percha, we cap the tooth with a lifelike crown. The procedure ensures your smile is healthy, comfortable, and looks great!
Protecting Your Smile
To reduce the risk of future infections, be sure you attend routine checkup and cleaning visits every six months, so we can keep an eye on your smile and act on the earliest indicators of trouble. You also help by brushing and flossing your teeth daily, and cutting back on sugary foods and drinks that could feed harmful bacteria and lead to plaque buildup. Should a tooth become cracked or chipped, let us know right away, as this could expose sensitive inner tissues! If you have any questions about preventing the onset of dental infections, or about our root canal treatment options, then contact our team today. We’re ready to help you maintain your best smile!
Ready to See Our Team?
Our team doesn’t want you to risk losing a tooth altogether, which is why we offer endodontic treatments like root canal therapy. Our team also has lifelike restorations, such as crowns, to repair your smile. To learn more about restorative treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
