When you have serious toothaches in your smile, then this could mean you have tooth decay or possibly a dental infection. To treat the issue and bring comfort (and a lifelike appearance) our team could prescribe a root canal procedure. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist is ready to talk about our endodontic treatments!
The Dangers of Deep Decay and Dental Infection
When you have a cavity that isn’t treated, or if a tooth is severely cracked or chipped, this could expose the inner pulp to harmful bacteria. Deep decay and an infection could develop. Along with toothaches and tooth sensitivity, this could also lead to problems eating, pain when biting down, headaches, jaw pain, and swelling near the aching tooth. Without treatment, this could even mean the infection could spread to other parts of the smile unless the tooth is extracted completely. To preserve your smile, you should let us know when you begin to experience persistent discomfort.
Treatment with a Root Canal Procedure
First, we take detailed digital images and x-rays to assess the infected tooth and plan the treatment with precision. To ensure your comfort, we will administer a local anesthesia and possible dental sedation as well. Once you’re relaxed and comfortable, we will open the tooth to remove the tissues from within. The interior of the tooth and the root canals will be cleaned thoroughly. We then add a special restorative material known as gutta percha. The last step is to cap the tooth with a dental crown.
Our Lifelike Dental Crowns
The crown that caps the treated tooth will be custom-made for your smile, offering a comfortable fit and a balanced bite. We can also opt for materials like porcelain, which are not only strong and durable, but can be shaded to blend with the smile as well. The result is a natural-looking dental restoration, one that protects the tooth and blends with your smile.
To help prevent future cases of infection, we recommend you cut back on foods high in sugars and starches. You should also brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, always using a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the outer enamel. Flossing before bed is vital too, as this removes what a toothbrush may not reach. Finally, be sure you visit us every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These visits help us monitor your smile, and a visit now means you can still use any remaining 2021 dental insurance benefits you have.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Care?
Our team is ready to combat your decay or infection with an endodontic treatment option. To learn more about the process of treating an infected tooth, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
