When a tooth is infected, this not only means serious discomfort, but the risk of losing your tooth in the near future. To avoid tooth loss and the spread of infection to other parts of the smile, you need an endodontic treatment. In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI, dentist talks about root canal therapy.
The Causes of a Dental Infection
When bacteria reach the inner dentin, the material that makes up most of your tooth and is usually protected by enamel, this causes a cavity. The decay will spread without treatment and once it reaches the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center, this causes an infected tooth. The discomfort will worsen, leading to aching teeth, sensitivity, pain when eating, swelling, headaches, or even a discharge from the tooth itself. Causes include poor oral hygiene habits at home, teeth grinding, injury to the tooth, or lack of visits for dental cleanings. Without treatment, there is a real risk of total tooth loss.
Dental Sedation
To bring relief and prevent the loss of your tooth, we will treat the infection with a root canal procedure. Many people feel nervous at this prospect because they fear it will be uncomfortable. But the fact is, we use a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable and if you have dental anxiety, we can employ sedation. This helps you enter a calm and relaxed state with little to no memory of the procedure. We can discuss which option is right for you, and help you undergo restorative care with comfort and ease.
Root Canal Therapy
Once you’re comfortable, we will open the tooth and then gently remove the tissues from within. The interior of the tooth and the root canals will be thoroughly cleaned, and a special restorative material is added. The last step is to cap the tooth with a crown, one we custom-make for a lifelike appearance. This blends with your smile and protects your tooth from further decay or infection. This helps preserve your tooth and keep your smile whole!
Preventive Actions
To help lower the risk of a future infection, be sure you brush and floss daily to clean the teeth and prevent major plaque buildup. Then see our team every six months for a cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar, and an exam to watch for the earliest signs of tooth decay. A healthier diet helps too, as cutting back on sugar and starch deprives harmful oral bacteria of a meal and helps limit plaque buildup.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
To learn more about treating painful complications with lifelike restorations, then contact Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI by calling 248-852-1820 and schedule your next appointment with our team today.
