When a tooth is infected, this could mean pain when you eat and serious aches in your smile. To avoid worsening pain and tooth loss, you may benefit from an endodontic treatment. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how we treat infected teeth with a safe and gentle root canal treatment.
The Risks of an Infected Tooth
A tooth becomes infected once bacteria make contact with the inner pulp, the nerve tissues at the center of each tooth. Usually, the pulp is protected by layers of dentin surrounding it and the outermost layer of enamel. But when a cavity forms that doesn’t receive treatment, it can grow and spread until bacteria reach the pulp. The same goes for a severe injury, as cracks or chips could expose sensitive inner tissues. Warning signs include tooth sensitivity, toothaches, pain when you bite down or chew, swelling near the tooth, headaches, and even a discharge from the aching tooth. If one or more of these symptoms applies to you, then contact our team right away to seek treatment.
Root Canal Treatment
We’ll first plan the root canal treatment by taking detailed digital images of your smile, including x-rays, so we can assess the position and extent of your infection. We then keep you comfortable by numbing the tooth and possibly offering dental sedation. Next, we need to open the tooth and remove the infected tissues from within. Once we do, we clean the interior of the tooth and add a restorative material. The last step is to cap the tooth with a dental crown, one that is designed to not only keep the tooth safe and prevent damage or decay in the remaining structure, but also to blend seamlessly with the smile.
Taking Preventive Actions
You can also take steps to help keep cavities and infection at bay. For example, you should start the day by brushing for two minutes and then do the same before bed. Be sure you use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel as you clean. Flossing before going to bed is crucial too, as this removes what is beyond the reach of a toothbrush. We also suggest finding time for a checkup and cleaning soon, so you can use your 2022 dental insurance benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
If you have any questions about root canal therapy and protecting smiles, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Infected Teeth?
We would like to help you avoid painful symptoms or the risk of tooth loss! If you would like to learn more about our endodontic treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
