If you have a toothache, you may have an infected tooth. This may be a sign that you may need to get root canal therapy. With a root canal, you can save your tooth, prevent further complications, and get relief from your pain and discomfort. Contact us now to schedule your consultation.
First, Dr. Naik will numb your mouth. Then, she will use a dental drill to remove decayed and damaged enamel from your tooth and create a small opening in the surface of the tooth. Through this opening, she will use dental tools to extract the decayed and damaged pulp and tooth material from inside your tooth.
The area will be flushed and disinfected, and the tooth will be filled with a rubber-like material that replaces the extracted pulp. Finally, Dr. Naik will restore your tooth with a dental crown, completing the process.
A tooth infection happens when your tooth is severely damaged, and the “pulp” inside your tooth becomes infected due to exposure to bacteria. There are two primary ways this can happen:
An untreated cavity can eat through the hard outer layers of your tooth, exposing the pulp to bacteria and causing an infection. This is the most common cause of tooth infections.
Dental injuries caused by oral trauma, such as a broken or cracked tooth, can breach the enamel and dentin of your tooth, exposing the pulp and causing an infection. Sometimes, a blow to a tooth can kill the pulp (even if your tooth does not crack), leading to infection of the nerve and supporting structures.
The most common sign of an infected tooth is a serious, prolonged toothache that lasts 1-2 days or longer. If you have a toothache, see Dr. Naik right away.
Infected teeth are usually more sensitive to heat and cold, as well as the pressure of chewing.
If you notice visible swelling, inflammation or discoloration near the affected tooth, this is a serious medical condition and you should call us right away at (469) 444-8464.
Have questions about root canal therapy? Check out these frequently asked questions or call us at (469) 444-8464 to speak with a member of the team.
Your mouth will be completely numb throughout the process, so you will feel no pain. Your tooth may feel a little sore for a day or two afterward, but you won’t experience any significant discomfort.
If you are experiencing symptoms like toothache, tooth sensitivity, and gum inflammation around your tooth, you likely have a very deep cavity or an infected tooth. Contact us for an appointment to find out if you need a root canal.