While a filling addresses most cases of tooth decay, if you have deep decay or an infection, then you may need more substantial care. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist looks at the benefits of treating smiles with endodontic care. Find out what makes root canal care a safe and comfortable treatment for aching teeth.
The Dangers of Decay and Infection
A cavity could develop for a number of reasons, often related to issues like poor oral hygiene or dental damage, which include exposed inner tissues to harmful bacteria. Unless treated, the decay could grow more severe until bacteria reach the pulp, the tooth’s nerve center. An infection then forms, one that could threaten the tooth’s stability and cause serious discomfort. Along with the toothaches and tooth sensitivity, you could have pain when eating, swelling near the tooth or a discharge from it, or risk losing the tooth altogether, leaving a gap in your smile. The infection could also spread to nearby teeth! To prevent these complications, we offer care with a root canal procedure.
The Root Canal Procedure
We start with an examination. If we discover the warning signs of a cavity or an infection/abscess, then we will likely proceed with a root canal. We administer a local anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable, and then we open the tooth to remove the infected tissues from within. We then clean the interior and fill the tooth with a special restorative material. We cure this material and then we cap the tooth with a crown. We take steps to ensure the crown looks natural and blends with your smile. In as little as one visit in some cases, we can restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile.
Safeguard Your Smile
To prevent the onset of future cavities, we suggest maintaining daily care of your smile. For example, you should start and end your day by brushing your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Before bed, make sure you floss thoroughly to remove trapped food particles. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, as these leave behind particles that feed harmful bacteria. Finally, make time to see us for a checkup and cleaning, so we can watch for potential warning signs, and remove all plaque and tartar, preventing enamel erosion and cavities. If you have any questions about our approach to restorative dental care, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dental Care?
Our team wants to help people maintain healthy and whole smiles, with comfortable and effective endodontic care. To learn more about treating infections and abscesses, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
