When a tooth becomes infected, this can be a major source of discomfort and without treatment, could even lead to a lost tooth. But with endodontic care, we can treat concerns with the interior of your tooth. In today’s blog, your West Allis, WI, dentist talks about keeping smiles whole with a root canal treatment.
Infection and Tooth Loss
At the center of your tooth is a collection of living tissues known as the pulp. This keeps your tooth functional and oversees the flow of blood and nutrients to the tooth. An infection means that harmful oral bacteria have come into contact with the pulp, usually through an untreated cavity or an injury to the tooth. Warning signs could include tooth sensitivity, toothaches, pain when biting down or chewing, swelling, pain in the face or jaw, or a discharge from the tooth. When one or more of these symptoms begin to occur, we want to offer care with an endodontic procedure known as a root canal.
Ensuring a Comfortable Treatment
Our team will gather detailed digital x-rays of the tooth so we can see the position and severity of the infection. We then plan treatment in detail. To keep you comfortable, our team can offer a local anesthetic to numb the area directly. We also have sedation, which helps anxious patients enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, often with little to no memory of the procedure.
The Root Canal Procedure
Once we have planned the treatment and administer our numbing and calming medications, we will open the tooth so we can access and remove the tissues from within. Next, we will clean the interior of the tooth and the root canals. Our team will add a special restorative filling material known as gutta percha to the interior of the tooth. The last step is to cap the tooth with a crown. The restoration will be custom-made to ensure it not only looks natural, but also ensures a balanced bite and a comfortable fit. We also want to ensure it provides a durable chewing surface as well. We can then discuss actions to help prevent cavities and infections, such as daily brushing and flossing, healthier diets, and visits for checkups and cleanings.
If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat infections with a root canal procedure, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy your best possible smile!
TREAT YOUR INFECTED TOOTH WITH HELP FROM STUBBS FAMILY DENTISTRY!
We can help protect you from tooth loss related to an untreated infection. To find out more about our endodontic treatment, talk to our team at Stubbs Family Dentistry at (414)541-8250 today!
