When a tooth is infected, this could be a source of discomfort and eventually, the onset of tooth loss. But our team can help! With root canal therapy, we can use this endodontic treatment to keep your smile whole and stop discomfort. In today’s blog, your Shrewsbury, MA, dentist talks about our approach to root canal treatment.
The Risks of a Dental Infection
An infected tooth occurs when harmful oral bacteria reach the inner pulp, the nerve center of your tooth. This exposure could be due to an untreated cavity, or a serious injury to your tooth. When a tooth is infected, you could experience pain in the tooth, sensitivity when you eat, swelling or discharge from the tooth, or pain in the face and head. Don’t ignore these symptoms, as untreated infection could mean the tooth is lost or requires extraction to protect your smile from the spread of infection. With a root canal, we can stop discomfort and save your tooth!
Help with a Root Canal
To begin, we will conduct detailed digital x-rays to identify the position and severity of the infection, so we can plan treatment in detail. To ensure the process is comfortable for you, we will administer a local anesthetic and dental sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. Once you are comfortable, our team will open the tooth to remove the tissues from within. We then clean the inside of the tooth and add a special restorative filling material. The last step is to cap the tooth with a dental crown, so you enjoy a lifelike appearance and a smile free of discomfort.
Protecting Your Smile
You can also take action to limit the risk of a dental infection and to keep your smile comfortable and whole. You should see our team every six months for a checkup and cleaning, so we can monitor the smile for signs of trouble and also remove the harmful buildup that weakens enamel. At home, be sure you brush and floss daily to prevent cavities and infections. With the right steps, you can protect yourself from tooth decay and infection, and if a cavity does form, we can catch it in the early stages.
If you have any questions, or if you want to schedule a visit and use your 2024 dental benefits and health savings account funds before they expire, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Endodontic Treatment with Our Shrewsbury Team!
Our team wants to help you smile with confidence again, and that means addressing the source of your dental discomfort! To learn more about endodontic treatment, or to schedule your next appointment, give us a call at Modern Dentistry Of Shrewsbury at (508)842-8838 today!