Do you have serious pain in your smile that doesn’t subside, but only seems to grow more severe? If so, then you could potentially have an infected or abscessed tooth. Treatment is crucial for avoiding the complete loss of your tooth as a result of an infection. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist looks at how we restore smiles with root canal therapy.
The Causes of a Dental Infection
What causes a tooth to become infected? The problem occurs when harmful bacteria reach the sensitive inner pulp, the collection of living tissues that keep your tooth functional. The pulp is usually surrounded by dentin and then protected by the outer layer of enamel. However, when injury or cavities expose the dentin and a cavity forms, this could reach the pulp and allow a cavity to occur. In addition, a serious fracture could also lead to an infected tooth as well. Warning signs of trouble may include serious toothaches and tooth sensitivity, pain when biting down or eating, swelling near the tooth, or even a foul-tasting discharge from it.
Endodontic Treatment with Root Canal Therapy
How do we treat an infection? We start by administering a local anesthetic and possibly sedation for our more anxious patients. Next, we open the tooth to remove the infected tissues. Next, we clean the interior of the tooth and add a restorative filling material and finally, we cap the tooth with a strong and lifelike dental crown that helps prevent further damage and pain. When you leave, you will enjoy a tooth that looks natural and blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Protecting Teeth from Home
What can be done to avoid an infected tooth? Since most form as a result of untreated cavities, keeping tooth decay away is crucial. For example, make sure you to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, as the sugar feeds harmful bacteria. Be sure you brush and floss too, as this removes food particles and reduces the severity of plaque buildup. You should brush when you wake up and again before bed for about two minutes each session, Use a fluoride toothpaste too! You also need to floss every night before bed as well. If you have any questions about treating your smile or about protecting it while you’re staying inside, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
Our team is ready to help address your advanced tooth decay or infected teeth. For more information on endodontic treatment, please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.