When a tooth develops a cavity, we typically offer relief with a dental filling. But what if you have a more severe case of tooth decay, or the tooth has become infected? To bring relief from discomfort and avoid the risk of tooth loss, you may need an endodontic procedure. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX, dentist talks about root canal therapy.
The Causes and Dangers of Infected Teeth
When a tooth becomes infected, this could be due to issues like untreated tooth decay or even an injury to the tooth, as these damage to the outer enamel can expose sensitive inner structure to bacteria. Once bacteria reach the pulp, your tooth’s nerve center, an infection develops. Symptoms include pain when you eat and chew, and prolonged tooth sensitivity and toothaches. Swelling near the tooth, headaches and jaw pain, and even a discharge from the tooth itself could occur as well. You should seek treatment right away when these potential symptoms arise, as untreated infection could lead to tooth loss, or require the extraction of the tooth to prevent the spread of infection. Fortunately, we can help save the tooth with a root canal procedure.
Anesthesia and Sedation
First, as with any restorative treatment we will take steps to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process. Even if you have dental anxiety, we can make this a relaxed experience for you or your family member. We will administer a local anesthetic to the area around the tooth in question. We also offer sedation dentistry, in which we offer sedation to help you enter a calm and relaxed state. You will be conscious, but have little to no memory of the procedure at all. This makes the experience comfortable even if you have high levels of dental anxiety.
Root Canal Therapy
Once you’re comfortable, we will move forward with treatment. We will have taken detailed digital x-rays to assess the position and extent of the infection. We open the tooth to reach and remove the tissues from within the tooth. Next, we clean the interior and the root canals. A special restorative material is then added to the interior. The last step is to cap the tooth with a dental crown, one that is custom-made to ensure a lifelike appearance and durable protection for your tooth.
If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating an infected tooth, or about our approach to root canal therapy, then contact our team today.
Your Conroe, TX, Dentist Offers Endodontic Treatment
We’re ready to help you enjoy optimal oral health and avoid the complications of an infection. For more information on protecting smiles from tooth loss, then contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 today.
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