When a tooth develops an infection or a dental abscess, treatment is crucial. Otherwise, serious pain and complications can arise, threatening the very stability of your smile. Fortunately, we can treat an infected tooth using an endodontic solution, such as a root canal. How do root canals treat dental infections?
Try Our Quiz on Root Canals and Dental Infection
- True or False: An infected tooth can eventually become lost.
- True or False: A root canal allows the dentist to treat an infected tooth.
- True or False: The tooth looks natural following treatment.
- True or False: Addressing decay early can prevent infection.
Answer Key
- True. Without treatment, the issue can continue to grow worse until the tooth effectively dies. At this point, extraction would be the only alternative to stop the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth or moving into the jawbone itself.
- True. The root canal involves the dentist opening the tooth and then removing the infected tissue within. The dentist can then clean the interior of the tooth and add a restorative filling, known as gutta percha. Most patients find the procedure comfortable, comparable to receiving a simply dental filling.
- True. We complete the procedure by placing a dental crown over the tooth. The crown will be custom-made, color-matched, and created using dental ceramic. As a result, the repaired tooth will blend with the smile.
- True. When you begin to notice tooth sensitivity to certain foods or drinks, or if a toothache develops that doesn’t subside, then see the dentist. You may have a cavity that requires treatment. A simple filling at this stage can help prevent the need for endodontic treatment down the road. If you have any questions or concerns about root canal therapy, then please contact our office today.
Do You Have an Infected Tooth?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we can recommend endodontic treatment to help you enjoy a comfortable and healthy tooth. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
