Dental infections cause much more than just aching teeth. Unless treated, they could mean a missing tooth or even the spread of infection to your nearby teeth or jawbone. Fortunately, your Omaha, NE, dentist can actually treat infected teeth with a root canal procedure. But what causes an infection, and when should you see us for treatment?
The Risks of an Infected Tooth
An infection is a very serious oral health concern. This means that decay has formed and spread throughout your tooth, eventually allowing bacteria to come into contact with your inner pulp, a collection of living tissues that keeps your tooth functional and alive. The resulting issue could kill the pulp and essentially cause your tooth to die. At this stage, extraction is needed, otherwise infection could reach nearby teeth or move into the jawbone and lead to serious consequences. If you experience any of the warning signs of an infected tooth, please let us know right away. Possible warning signs could include headaches and migraines, jaw pain and swelling near a tooth, sensitivity or pain when biting down or eating, a discharge from the tooth, or a fever.
The Root Canal Procedure
If you have an infection then we will proceed with treatment. A root canal involves opening the tooth to remove all infected tissue. We will administer a local anesthetic and discuss sedation as a means of ensuring you remain calm and comfortable throughout the process. After removing the tissue, we clean the interior of the tooth and add a special material known as gutta percha. Next, we cap the tooth with a custom-made crown, one that looks natural and can absorb bite forces and pressure.
Keeping Smiles Free of Poor Oral Health
To protect your smile from future troubles, be sure you always let us know if a tooth becomes chipped or cracked. Also, take steps to reduce plaque buildup and avoid tooth decay, such as daily brushing and flossing and cutting back on sugary foods and drinks. Be sure to make an appointment every six months so we can clean your teeth and watch for potential warning signs of trouble. Again, let us know if you experience any pain in your tooth that doesn’t subside after a day or two. If you have any questions about treating an infected tooth, or if you think you need a consultation, then contact or team today to learn more.
Do You Need Endodontic Treatment?
We would like to help address infections and advanced cases of tooth decay with a lifelike restorative treatment. To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402) 330-2243. We also serve the residents of Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Millard, and all surrounding communities.
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