If you have an infected tooth and a dentist tells you that a root canal procedure is necessary, do you feel a little nervous? People often have a very wrong idea about this endodontic procedure. Fortunately, in today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist is going to dispel some misinformation about root canal therapy!
The Dangers of an Infected Tooth
An infection occurs when harmful bacteria reach the interior of your tooth and make contact with the pulp. The pulp is essentially your tooth’s nerve center, a collection of living tissues that keep everything healthy and functional. However, if untreated an infection could kill the pulp, and your tooth could then fall out or require extraction to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of your smile. The interior of the tooth becomes vulnerable when poor oral hygiene or injury weaken the outer enamel, exposing the dentin and eventually, the pulp. Warning signs include pain when you bite down or chew, persistent tooth sensitivity to toothaches, swelling near the tooth, fever, or a discharge from the tooth. If you encounter one or more of these possible warning signs, then contact our team today to learn more.
The Root Canal Procedure
First, we want to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Despite rumors the contrary, most patients find this procedure comparable to a simple dental filling! We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area, and for anxious patients we also have sedation options to help them enter a calm and relaxed throughout the proceedings. Next, we open the tooth to extract the infected tissues from within the crown and root canals. Afterward, we clean the interior of the tooth and will add a special restorative material, referred to as gutta percha. The final step involves placing a crown, which covers the tooth and provides protection. We may also use materials to create the crown, such as porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, to ensure an esthetically-pleasing appearance.
Safeguarding Your Smile
Now, what can be done to protect smiles from issues like infection? First, if a tooth becomes cracked or chipped, let us now right away so we can offer emergency repair. If you notice pain or sensitivity that last more than a day, alert us. Attending checkups and cleanings means we keep a close eye on your smile, and identify the earliest warning signs of decay, often before an infection develops. Finally, at home make sure you brush and floss daily! If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Stopping an Infection?
Our team is ready to offer care to bring relief and stability to an infected or abscessed tooth. To learn more about how we treat an infected tooth in one visit, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
