When a tooth develops an infection, the clock is ticking. Without treatment, a tooth could potentially become lost and allow infection to spread to surrounding teeth, or into the jawbone! Fortunately, we help treat infected teeth with root canal therapy. What should our Omaha, NE, patients expect from this restorative treatment option? How do you recognize a dental infection?
The Causes of Infected Teeth
Past the outer tooth enamel and inner dentin, inside the center of your tooth, sits your dental pulp. A bundle of living tissues, the pulp oversees the flow of key nutrients to and from the tooth, keeping it alive and healthy. An infection arises when harmful bacteria comes into contact with the inner pulp. This exposure may happen as a result of damaged teeth, such as cracks, chips, or worn enamel due to teeth grinding. Untreated tooth decay could also lead to the onset of an infected tooth.
Signs of Trouble
When should you talk to your dentist? Patients with an infected tooth often report tooth sensitivity and toothaches. Pain when biting down or chewing could also arise, as well as fever, swelling near the tooth, and a discharge from the tooth. If you encounter regular pain in one or more of your teeth, let your dentist know right away. Treating the problem quickly helps prevent the need for extraction and preserves your smile. Remember, routine checkups every six months allow us to monitor your smile, often identifying problems like these in the earliest stages and addressing them before serious pain develops.
The Root Canal Process
If you need to have a root canal to address your infected tooth, then we will begin with anesthesia and/or sedation, which helps ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Next, we need to open the tooth in order to reach and remove the infected tissue. After we clean the interior of the tooth and the root canals, we will prepare and add a restorative material known as gutta percha. After we cure the material, we complete the procedure by placing a dental crown. The crown looks natural and safeguards the tooth, preventing further cavities and pain. If you have any questions about addressing your aching tooth, then let us know. We want to help you maintain a healthy and comfortable smile!
Pacific Hills Dental Repairs Smiles with Endodontic Treatment
At Pacific Hills Dental, we want to offer a safe and comfortable solution to dental infections. Talk to our team about our approach to root canal therapy. To make an appointment for yourself or for a family member, call our Omaha, NE, dental office today at (402) 330-2243. We proudly treat individuals in Omaha, NE, and all of the surrounding areas, including Papillion, Elkhorn, and Millard.
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