When a tooth becomes infected, this could lead to discomfort and even the risk of a missing tooth. To treat the issue and keep your tooth intact, you may need an endodontic treatment known as a root canal. At our Southlake, TX, dental office, our team will offer root canals to treat an infected tooth.
The Warning Signs of an Infected Tooth
How do you know if a tooth has become infected? The infection occurs when harmful oral bacteria make contact with the pulp, the nerve tissues at the center of your tooth. Often, this could occur due to an untreated cavity, or even a severe injury to a tooth or teeth grinding. When the infection forms, you could experience a persistent toothache that lasts for more than a day or two, pain when you bite down or chew, swelling, a discharge from the tooth, or pain in your face and jaw. Don’t ignore persistent discomfort in your smile. Instead, schedule an exam with our team to see if you need a root canal to bring relief.
The Risk of Tooth Loss
Without treatment, the infection will grow in severity and with time, could essentially kill the pulp. At this stage, your tooth could become lost or requires extraction to protect surrounding teeth from the spread of infection. To avoid tooth loss, we can use a root canal to extract the infection and keep your smile comfortable and intact.
Saving Smiles with Root Canal Treatments
The endodontic procedure begins with our team taking digital x-rays of the tooth to assess the position and severity of your infection. We then numb the tooth and may offer sedation to ensure that even if you have dental anxiety, you enjoy a comfortable treatment experience. We then open the tooth to access and remove the infected tissues from within. Our team will then clean the interior of the tooth thoroughly and add a special restorative filling material. The last step is to cap the tooth with a crown, one we design and craft to look natural and blend with your smile.
If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat an infection with a root canal, or if you have pain in a tooth that needs attention, then contact our team today to learn more. You can also use your remaining 2024 dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year!
Find Out More About Endodontic Treatment With Tate Family Dentistry In Southlake, TX
Our team wants to help you avoid the impact of an untreated dental concern. To learn more about our endodontic treatment option, give us a call at our Southlake, TX dental office at (817) 481-6364.