When you have an infected tooth, this could mean serious pain and over time, an increased risk of tooth loss. But with an endodontic treatment known as a root canal, we can stop discomfort and save your tooth. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about protecting your smile with root canal therapy.
The Causes and Warning Signs of an Infection
What causes a tooth to become infected? This could occur when harmful oral bacteria make contact with the pulp, the nerve center of your tooth. A cracked or chipped tooth could make this possible, as could a case of untreated tooth decay. The warning signs consist of pain in your tooth that does not subside after a day or two. This could mean tooth sensitivity and toothaches, or even pain when you bite down or chew. You could also experience pain in the face or jaw, swelling, and even a discharge from the tooth itself. Don’t ignore these potential symptoms when they arise, see us for an exam so we can decide if you need a root canal!
The Endodontic Treatment Process
With digital x-rays, our team can offer a diagnosis with precision and accuracy. This technology uses 90% less radiation, and the images will be available instantly chairside, and require no bite wings or long development times. We can examine these high-definition images to assess the presence and severity of your infection. We then plan your treatment!
When we’re ready to begin, we will numb the tooth with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Next, our team may offer sedation to help anxious patients enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. Our team will open the tooth, beginning the root canal by removing the tissues from the interior of the tooth. We then clean the inside of the tooth and add a special filling material known as gutta percha. The last step is to place a custom crown over the tooth, which protects it and also offers a lifelike appearance.
Preventing Infections
Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of future tooth decay and infection. For example, be sure you see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can monitor your smile and remove harmful buildup. You should take time to brush and floss daily and also cut back on your intake of sugar and starch. If you have any questions about treating an infected tooth with a root canal, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Endodontic Treatment?
We want to help you enjoy better oral health and avoid tooth loss related to untreated dental infection. To schedule an appointment for endodontic treatment with Potach & Mitchell in Austin, MN, call 507-437-6312.
