When you have an aching tooth and serious pain when eating, this could mean you have an infection. Without care, this could even lead to tooth loss! Which is why we offer a solution for people with infected teeth. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how a root canal procedure provides relief.
The Causes and Risks of an Infection
A tooth is infected once bacteria come into contact with the tooth’s nerve center, a collection of living tissues we call the pulp. This could happen when a cavity isn’t treated and spreads through the tooth, or if an injury and/or teeth grinding damages outer enamel and exposes the sensitive inner dentin. Without treatment, this could not only cause worsening pain, but the tooth could effectively die, meaning extraction is necessary to protect the surrounding teeth. If you attend routine checkup visits, we will likely uncover the issue before you experience serious discomfort. Otherwise, you may not know you need treatment until you experience serious pain when you eat, persistent toothaches and sensitivity, pain in the jaw and head, swelling near the tooth, or a discharge from it. When you experience similar symptoms, let us know right away!
Keeping You Comfortable
We want to make sure your visit is an enjoyable one, which is why we take steps to ensure your comfort during restorative treatments. For example, our team could recommend a local anesthesia to numb the tooth. We could also offer dental sedation for those with anxiety, as this helps you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. You may have little to no memory of the procedure at all!
The Root Canal Procedure
Once you’re comfortable, our team will start the root canal procedure by opening the tooth to remove the tissues from within. We then clean the interior of the tooth and add a restorative material known as gutta percha. Next, we cap the tooth with a custom-made dental crown, which is designed to look natural and provide a durable chewing surface. To help lower the risks of future cavities and infection, our team recommends brushing and flossing daily at home, and cutting back on the sugar and starch-rich foods that feed harmful oral bacteria. Make time to see us for a checkup and cleaning every six months too!
If you have any questions about treating infected teeth, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help your smiles stay healthy and strong.
Your Astoria, NY, Dentist Can Address Restorative Issues
Our team wants to help you maintain a strong and healthy smile! To learn more about how our team can correct serious restorative issues, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
