When a tooth becomes infected, lack of treatment could mean an increased risk of tooth loss, and serious complications for your smile’s appearance, health, and stability. In order to save infected teeth and protect the stability of your smile, we may offer treatment with a root canal procedure. When do patients in Mansfield, TX, benefit from our endodontic treatment options?
The Dangers of a Severe Infection
Our teeth are made up of layers. The outermost, call enamel, protects the teeth. Beneath that, a sensitive layer of porous dentin makes up the majority of the tooth structure. At the center and in the root canal sits the pulp, the collection of living issues that keep the tooth alive and healthy. When bacteria reach the dentin, a cavity forms. This could be caused by teeth becoming cracked or chipped, or as a result of poor oral hygiene. When the cavity spreads and enables bacteria to reach the dentin, an infection develops. Without treatment, the infected tooth can grow more severe, causing serious discomfort and eventually, an increased risk of the tooth dying and requiring removal to prevent the spread of infection.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
In order to treat the infection, we may administer root canal therapy. The treatment involves opening the tooth and removing all the infected tissue from within. Next, we clean the interior of the teeth and add a restorative filling material. After we cure the material, we cap the tooth with a custom-made dental crown, which looks natural and protects the tooth from further damage or decay. The entire process only takes one visit and helps prevent pain, swelling, fever, and more. Despite a reputation for being uncomfortable, most of our patients find the procedure to be comfortable, comparable to receiving a simple dental filling.
Safeguarding Your Smile
Following the procedure, you can begin taking steps to prevent future cases of tooth decay and infection. For example, be sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and floss every night before going to bed. Removing food particles from on and between your teeth will reduce the risk of cavities and infection. A routine exam every six months helps us monitor your smile’s health, and we can perform a cleaning to remove plaque buildup completely. If you have any questions about preventing your teeth from becoming infected, or if you think you may need a restorative procedure to address discomfort, then contact our team today. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy!
Does Your Tooth Ache?
Remember, pain in your smile could mean serious trouble. To learn more about our restorative treatment options, schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.
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