When a tooth is infected, this could mean serious discomfort and without treatment, the risk of losing a tooth altogether. But our team will offer treatment to address the issue and keep your smile strong and full! In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentist talks about how we preserve smiles with a root canal procedure.
The Causes and Warning Signs of an Infected Tooth
What causes a tooth to become infected? The infection means that harmful oral bacteria have made contact with the inner pulp, the nerve center of the tooth. This could happen due to an injury that exposes the sensitive interior of the tooth, or an untreated cavity. The warning signs include pain when you bite down or chew, prolonged tooth sensitivity, toothaches, swelling, or ache sin the face and jaw. Headaches could occur, as could a discharge from the tooth itself. Don’t ignore these possible warning signs, instead schedule a visit with our team!
How We Prepare Your Smile for Endodontic Treatment
Our team will start with a dental exam. We will take a close look at the tooth in question with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, which allows us to pinpoint the position and severity of the infection, so we can plan the root canal in detail. Our team will also take time to ease your discomfort. For example, our team can offer a local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. If you have dental anxiety or other factors that make undergoing treatment difficult, then our team could offer dental sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, with little to no memory of the procedure at all.
Root Canal Treatment
When the time comes for the root canal, we will begin the procedure by opening the tooth to access and remove the tissues from within. We then thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth. Next, we add a special restorative filling known as gutta percha. The last step is to cap the tooth with a dental crown, one that looks natural and blends with the tooth, while also offering protection that prevents further injury or decay. If you have any questions about how we can use a root canal to save a tooth and stop discomfort, or if you have an aching tooth that you feel needs a diagnosis, then contact our team today to get started.
Do You Have Questions About Our Approach to Endodontics?
We want to help safeguard your smile and prevent you from losing a tooth due to an infected tooth. To schedule an appointment for a root canal procedure with Omni Endo in El Paso, TX, please call 915.990.3636.