When Is A Root Canal Right For Your Smile?

austin root canal therapy

A tooth could become decayed and experience toothaches, but lack of treatment could let an infection develop and lead to worsening symptoms. When a tooth is infected or abscessed, then treatment is necessary to avoid tooth loss and stop rising discomfort. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists will discuss how we treat infections with a root canal procedure.

The Causes of an Infection and When to Seek Treatment

At the center of each tooth is a collection of nerve tissues known as the pulp. The pulp keeps your tooth functional and oversees the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth. When bacteria come into contact with these nerve tissues, the tooth is infected. This is possible through an untreated cavity or as a result of a cracked or chipped tooth. Warning signs include tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a toothache that lasts for more than a day. You could also experience swelling near the aching tooth or a discharge from it. If you’ve experienced one or more of these common warning signs, you should schedule a visit right away.

The Dangers of Tooth Loss

An infection will grow in severity with time. At some point, it will be beyond treatment with a root canal and crown. The tooth will then fall out, or require extraction to prevent infection from reaching other teeth or moving into the jawbone itself. Missing teeth then leads to serious complications for your oral health and quality of life. When you experience symptoms, let us know so we can examine your smile with advanced technology. We then identify the presence of decay or infected tissues, and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Root Canal Treatment

The procedure can often be completed in one visit. We start with a local numbing agent and possibly sedation, which helps even those with dental anxiety feel calm and comfortable. Next, we need to open the tooth to remove all infected issues from within. A special filling material known as gutta percha is then added, and the tooth is capped with a custom-made dental crown. The restoration is custom-made to ensure not only a solid and durable repair, but to also offer a lifelike appearance that blends with your smile. If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating smiles with a root canal, then contact our team today.

Talk To Our Austin, MN Dentist’s Office About Endodontic Treatment

Potach And Mitchell Dental Clinic understands how to treat an infected tooth and prevent major complications from arising. To find out more about how we treat an infected or abscessed tooth, then contact your Austin, MN, dentists, Dr. Potach and Mitchell, by calling 507-437-6312.