If you are suffering from an infected tooth, you may experience intense discomfort and diminished dental function. If the condition goes untreated, the bacteria could even spread to your other teeth, your gum tissue, or your jawbone. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Typically, there are two treatment options for dental infections: extraction and root canal therapy. Although it may seem that extraction is a simpler option, in most cases, dental professionals will recommend a gentle and highly effective root canal.
Understanding Your Infected Tooth
A dental infection is actually located inside your tooth, and it affects the soft pulp in the center. Your tooth nerves extend from this inner chamber down your root canals. Bacteria multiply rapidly. Therefore, they can easily travel all the way down your nerves. Eventually, you may develop an abscess. This small, pus-filled sac at the tip of your root can be quite painful.
An extraction would certainly rid your body of the infected tooth and the unwanted bacteria. In a few cases, this procedure may indeed be the optimal choice. If you do require an extraction, we will recommend a lifelike restorative treatment to repair your bite and smile. However, whenever possible, it is always better to save your natural tooth. Even the most advanced restorations are not as strong as a biological tooth. Additionally, only natural teeth and dental implants can prevent jawbone degeneration.
The Truth about Root Canal Therapy
During root canal therapy, your dentist will clean out your tooth to remove bacteria and infected pulp. He will also remove all bacteria from the root canals. Then he will fill your tooth with a soft rubber compound and place a same-day crown made with CEREC® technology. Your tooth and gums will be numb the whole time, so you should experience little discomfort, if any.
You may have heard that root canal therapy increases your risk for other health problems, including cancer. These claims are based on vastly outdated research, performed by Dr. Weston A. Price in the 1920’s. Price advocated extraction for every infected tooth. Today, however, the American Dental Association® and the American Association of Endodontists report that root canal therapy is extremely safe. In fact, the procedure can reduce your risk for a number of systemic health problems.
About Your Conroe General Dentist:
The Dental Centre of Conroe, John M Richards DDS delivers distinctive cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for residents of Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities. For more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling (936) 441-4600.