Even though we’re closed for preventive and cosmetic treatments, we’re still here to address emergency situations and serious oral health concerns. In today’s blog, your Tucson, AZ, dentist talks about how we protect infected teeth with a root canal, preventing painful symptoms and avoiding the loss of your tooth!
The Warning Signs to Watch For
How do you know if you should contact our team for treatment? Well, warning signs of an infected tooth or one with a severe cavity, include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, toothaches that don’t subside with time, pain when you eat or chew, swelling near a tooth, or a discharge from the tooth itself. The infection happens when a tooth is cracked or chipped, or if a serious cavity eventually reaches the inner pulp. Unless treated, the issue could cause the inner pulp, which keeps your tooth alive and healthy, to die, effectively killing the tooth. We may then need to extract the tooth to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth.
The Root Canal Process
If you have an infected tooth, then you may need a root canal. To start, we administer a local anesthetic to help ensure you feel calm and comfortable throughout the treatment process. We then open the tooth and remove the infected tissues from within. After we clean the interior of the tooth, we add a special restorative material. The final step involves placing a crown to protect the tooth. The crown will be designed to look natural and blend with your smile seamlessly. To avoid future cavities, make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly, and try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, which could encourage cavities and eventually, an infected tooth.
When to Talk to Our Team
You should let us know if you have sensitivity in your teeth or a toothache that lasts more than 48 hours. Other warning signs could include pain when you bite down or chew, swelling near the aching tooth, or a discharge for the tooth itself. If you encounter one or more of these possible warning signs, then please contact our team today. We would love to help treat the issue and protect your smile, as we consider infections as serious as other emergencies, like chipped or cracked teeth. If you have any questions about our restorative procedures, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
At our Tucson, AZ, dentist’s office, our team is ready to help you enjoy optimal oral health and protect yourself from issues like decay or infection. If you have questions about repairing and restoring smiles, contact us today to schedule a visit by calling our office at 520-296-5439.
