Root Canal Therapy Could Save Your Tooth

Did you know that an advanced case of tooth decay, or an infection in your tooth, could lead to tooth loss? To save your smile, you need an endodontic treatment known as a root canal. This comfortable procedure could save your tooth in only one visit! In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist talks about protecting smiles with this procedure.

Advanced Cavities and Dental Infections

When tooth decay first forms, this could be minor and cause tooth sensitivity. But over time, the decay will grow and spread throughout the tooth. As it grows more severe, this could lead to a painful dental infection. An infection means the nerve tissues in the center of the tooth, which keeps the tooth functional, have become compromised. Discomfort worsens, and the risk of losing the tooth altogether increases substantially. At this stage, a filling may not be enough, but instead an endodontic treatment could be used to prevent the loss of the tooth and preserve your smile.

Don’t Ignore Common Symptoms

A cavity could mean tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or possibly a toothache that doesn’t pass after a few hours. When a tooth is infected, you could also experience sensitivity and aches, as well as pain when you chew or bite down. Swelling near the tooth could occur, as could a discharge from it. Headaches, migraines, and jaw pain could also occur. If you encounter one or more of these possible warning signs, then let us know right away. We will examine your smile with advanced digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We then make a diagnosis with accuracy and precision, and plan your treatment too.

Treating Infection

First, we administer a local numbing agent to ensure you feel comfortable. If you have dental anxiety, we could use sedation to help you enter a calm and relaxed state with no memory of the procedure. Once you’re comfortable, we will open the tooth and remove the infected tissues from within. Next, we clean the inside of the tooth thoroughly. A special medicated filling material is added to the tooth, known as gutta percha. The last step involves capping the tooth with a dental crown. The restoration is designed to protect the tooth structure from injury, and to also offer a lifelike appearance. We even shade the crown to blend with your smile.

If you have any questions about treating infection and advanced tooth decay, then contact our team today to learn more.

TALK TO MMC DENTAL ABOUT ROOT CANAL THERAPY

When a tooth begins to hurt, we could provide relief with an endodontic treatment. For more information on our treatments for advanced cases of decay or injury, then contact your Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Chan, by calling 713-926-8896.