When should you seek endodontic treatment for an infected tooth? Understanding the cause and symptoms of dental infection means you can take action to stop your discomfort. In today’s blog, your team at Omni Endodontics in El Paso, TX, can offer root canal therapy, retreatment, and more!
The Causes and Warning Signs of an Infected Tooth
A tooth becomes infected when harmful oral bacteria can move past the protective enamel and sensitive dentin to reach the inner pulp, the nerve center of your tooth. This is often caused by an untreated cavity that increases in severity with time. Damaged teeth, often the result of a sports injury or teeth grinding, could also be a factor. When the infection develops, you could experience a toothache that lasts for more than 48 hours, pain when you chew or bite down, or aches in the jaw and face. You could experience swelling or discharge for the tooth too. Don’t ignore these potential symptoms, as the tooth could require extraction or experience loss without endodontic treatment!
Planning Your Treatment
First, we need to assess the position and severity of your infection, so we can plan the root canal process in detail. To do so, we will take detailed digital x-rays of the aching tooth, which uses 90% less radiation and provides high-definition images instantly chairside. We will walk you through the diagnostic process and plan the root canal. To keep you comfortable, even if you have special needs or dental anxiety, we will offer a local anesthetic at the site of the tooth being treated, and could recommend sedation. Dental sedation helps you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, often with little to no memory of the procedure at all afterward.
The Root Canal Procedure
When the time comes for treatment, our team will gently open the tooth so we can access and remove the tissues from within. Next, we thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth. A special restorative material is added to the interior of the tooth, known as gutta percha. The last step is to cap the tooth with a crown, a restoration custom-made for your smile to fit comfortably, ensure a balanced bite, and offer a lifelike appearance, blending with your smile. We can suggest changes to your oral hygiene routine and visits for checkups and cleanings to help you avoid future cavities or infection down the road.
If you have any questions about root canal therapy, then contact our team today to learn more!
Does Your Tooth Hurt?
Omni endodontics in El Paso, TX, is ready to prevent your infection from causing further pain or a missing tooth. To schedule an appointment for a root canal with our team, call us today at 915.990.3636.
