When Should A Root Canal Procedure Be Prescribed?

When a tooth becomes infected, this means serious discomfort arises and without care, the risk of losing the tooth altogether increases. A filling may not be enough to treat the issue. Instead, your Newhall, CA, dentist could offer a safe and comfortable conservative treatment known as root canal therapy to bring relief.

The Causes and Dangers of an Infected Tooth

How does a tooth develop an infection? The issue arises when harmful oral bacteria is able to make contact with the inner pulp, the collection of nerve tissues that keeps each tooth healthy and functional. Typically, the outermost layer of enamel prevents this from happening. But if a cavity forms, this could grow and spread until contact with the pulp is established. An injury that cracks or chips a tooth could be a factor. When the infection develops, warning signs include tooth sensitivity, toothaches, pain when you bite down or chew, swelling near the tooth, or even a discharge from the tooth. If you encounter one or more of these potential warning signs, then we urge you to see us right away for a root canal!

Failed Fillings or Crowns

The issue could also be linked to damaged fillings or crowns, which come loose or fall out due to injury or poor placement. If you have a restoration from a visit to another dentist and need repair, please see us right away!

The Root Canal Procedure

To treat the infection, we need to first administer a numbing agent to ensure you remain comfortable. If you have dental anxiety, we could also discuss sedation options. Once you’re comfortable, we open the tooth so we can remove the infected tissues completely. The interior of the tooth is then cleaned and a special restorative material is placed within. The next step involves capping the tooth with a lifelike and durable dental crown, which blends with the smile and protects the stability of your smile. The process could take as little as one to two visits to complete and offers instant relief.

Preserving Your Smile

How do you about the onset of an infected tooth or severe cavity? Daily care could keep your smile strong, which includes flossing every evening and brushing for two minutes when you wake up and again before bed. Be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, as this strengthens the outer enamel. You also benefit from a checkup every six months, so we keep a close eye on your smile for warning signs, and then clean the teeth to remove harmful buildup!

Do You Have Questions About Our Conservative Treatment?

Newhall Dental Arts is ready to help patients with infected teeth find relief. Contact our Newhall, CA office at (661) 259-7760 to learn more about how we tackle an infected or abscessed tooth with a root canal procedure.