With a traditional root canal, we open an infected tooth and remove what’s inside, before adding a filling and capping a tooth with a lifelike crown. But for some patients, the infection may leave the interior of the tooth weakened and unable to support the filling and crown. In these cases, your El Paso, TX, dentist can help with a post and core buildup!
The Signals of an Infected Tooth
If you have noticed your tooth hurts when you eat or drink, or there is pain when you bite down, then let us know. Persistent pain in a tooth that is noticeable often indicates severe decay or an infection, and lack of treatment means the pain grows worse, as does the risk of tooth loss. Other symptoms include painful toothaches that don’t subside after a day or two, as well as swelling near the tooth, headaches, fever, and a discharge from the tooth. When you begin to experience these potential warning signs, please contact our team right away for an examination to see if you need endodontic treatment.
The Post and Core Buildup Process
As we mentioned above, with a traditional root canal procedure our team will add a restorative filling the inside of the tooth and then cap it with a crown to protect the remaining structure and ensure a durable chewing surface and a lifelike appearance. But when the infection is more severe and the structure has been compromised, the tooth may lose the ability to support a crown. But we can still help!
With a post and core buildup, we can strengthen the interior of the tooth. We will place a small metal rod into the tooth, which helps support the filling and provide structure to stabilize it, so the tooth can receive a crown. We could also use composite resin material to provide a new core for the interior of the tooth, stabilizing the tooth so it can receive a crown and the root canal procedure can be completed.
Protecting Your Whole Smile
Our team can discuss options for lowering the risk of future infections. For example, you can see your general dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months. At home, you can avoid tobacco products, steer clear of too much sugar, and take time to brush and floss daily. These actions help lower the risk of cavities and infections, so you enjoy better oral health and avoid the need for further endodontic treatment. If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more!
Call Omni Endo Provides Post and Core Treatment
We want to help stop an infection from leading to pain and tooth loss. To find out more about root canal treatments, call Omni Endo in El Paso, TX, call 915.990.3636 today.
