When you have an infected tooth, this could mean serious discomfort and over time, the risk of losing a tooth altogether! To preserve your smile and bring relief, you may need an endodontic treatment known as a root canal procedure. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist will explain how we ensure your visit is comfortable, and how we save your tooth.
The Risks of an Untreated Infection
Cavities occur when poor oral hygiene habits and a diet high in sugar lead to serious plaque buildup, weakening the protective layer of outer enamel. Once bacteria reach the inner dentin, a cavity forms. However, cavities grow with time and the decay could eventually make contact with the pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. Now, your tooth will start to ache and feel sensitive, and could become infected. With a dental infection, pain when you bite down or chew is common, as is painful swelling near the tooth and persistent aches and sensitivity. Without treatment, the pulp could eventually die, which means the tooth may fall out or could require extraction to prevent infection from reaching other parts of your smile.
Ensuring You Feel Comfortable
To avoid worsening discomfort and the potential loss of a tooth, you need a root canal procedure. First, we will examine your smile carefully to see if you need treatment. If so, we will administer a numbing agent and for our anxious patients, may suggest dental sedation. Once you’re calm and comfortable, we will proceed with the treatment to stop your infection and prevent the loss of your tooth.
Infection Treatment
The procedure involves carefully opening the tooth, so we can access and remove the infected tissues from within. At this point, we will thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth and root canals before adding a special restorative material known as gutta percha. The final step involves placing a crown. The crown will be custom-made from lifelike materials, color-matched to blend with your smile. The crown also provides a durable and long-lasting layer of protection for your tooth, ensuring you can smile with comfort and confidence. If you have any questions about the root canal treatment process, or about treating an aching tooth, then please contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Root Canal Therapy?
In as little as one visit we could offer a solution for your aching, infected tooth, helping you enjoy a comfortable smile again and avoid major complications down the road. To learn more about treating infection with a root canal, or about our other restorative treatments, such as our tooth-colored dental fillings, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
