When our teeth become infected, this means serious pain could develop and the risk of tooth loss increases as well. In order to prevent the loss of teeth in El Paso, TX, our team may offer an endodontic procedure. Find out how our root canal procedures provide a comfortable and convenient solution to serious oral health problems.
The Causes of a Dental Infection
How does a tooth become infected? The problem usually starts with a cavity. Tooth decay, unless treated, will grow and spread throughout the tooth. Eventually, this enables harmful bacteria to reach your tooth’s nerve center, a bundle of living tissues known as the pulp, which oversees the movement of blood and nutrients and to and from the tooth. The pulp then becomes infected, which means the patient may begin to experience serious pain when eating, toothaches, tooth sensitivity, fever, headaches, pain or swelling near the tooth, and even a discharge from the tooth itself. Lack of treatment means the tooth could essentially die, and unless extracted, could allow infection to reach surrounding teeth to move into the jawbone itself. Fortunately, with an endodontic treatment we can prevent the loss of the tooth and control the spread of infection.
Treating Smiles with Root Canal Therapy
To begin, we administer a local anesthetic and if our patient has dental anxiety, we may also discuss sedation to help them stay calm and relaxed, but conscious. The procedure itself begins with the dentist opening the tooth and removing the infected tissue from within. Next, we clean the inside of the tooth before adding a restorative filling. Once we cure the filling, we complete the procedure by capping the tooth with a custom-made dental crown. The crown helps ensure the tooth is protected and looks natural, so no one will be able to tell you’ve had work done on your tooth. The entire procedure only takes one visit, so you leave with a healthy, functional tooth!
Keeping Your Smile Healthy
What can be done to avoid cavities and infection? First, understand that when we consume foods and drinks high in starch and sugar, we leave behind particles for bacteria to break down. Over time, this coats the teeth in plaque, weakening tooth enamel and leading to tooth decay. Eventually, a cavity could mean infection unless treated. In addition, a tooth becoming chipped or cracked could also expose the smile to painful complications. Daily brushing and flossing, a better diet, and regular visits for checkups and cleanings could protect your smile!
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO OFFERS SOLUTIONS FOR INFECTED TEETH
Our Sunny Smiles team wants to preserve your smile by addressing infections with a safe and comfortable restorative treatment. To learn more about the our approach to restorative dentistry, please call our East El Paso location on N. Zaragoza Road at 915-849-9000!