When you have an infected tooth, this could cause major discomfort and over time, the risk of a lost tooth. Fortunately, we can offer a comfortable and gentle treatment option with endodontics. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist looks at the benefits of a root canal treatment, and how this could preserve your smile.
Don’t Lose a Tooth
An infection develops when the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center, encounters harmful oral bacteria. This development is possible due to an untreated cavity, which grows in severity with time, or as a result of damaged enamel, which could occur when a tooth is cracked, chipped, or worn down by teeth grinding. Warning signs include persistent toothache and tooth sensitivity, pain when you eat, headaches, jaw pain, swelling, or a discharge from the tooth. When you experience one or more of these symptoms, please let us know and schedule a visit for an exam. Otherwise, the infection could grow so severe the tooth is lost, or requires extraction to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the smile.
The Root Canal Approach
Our team will first examine the tooth with digital x-rays to assess the severity and position of the infection. We then offer a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable as we open the tooth and remove the tissues from within. The next step in the root canal is to clean the interior of the tooth and add a topical restorative material known as gutta percha. Finally, we cap the tooth with a custom-made dental crown, one designed to look natural and blend with the smile, all while keeping your bite balanced. Treatment stops discomfort and prevents the loss of your tooth.
Preventive Actions
You can also take action to prevent infections or cavities from forming. At home, try to cut back on your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as this feeds harmful bacteria and creates the plaque buildup that weakens enamel. You should also brush and floss daily to remove stray food and drink particles before they can lead to major buildup. Brush twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste, and floss every evening. You should also see us for a checkup and cleaning, so we can watch for signs of trouble and also remove all harmful buildup. If you have any questions about how we treat infected teeth, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Endodontic Treatment?
Our team wants to help you avoid serious discomfort and the risk of losing a tooth. If you would like to learn more about treating an infected tooth and bringing relief, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
