When your tooth becomes infected, often a root canal is the only way to save it. But how do you know if you have an infected tooth? Tooth infections usually first manifest as a persistent toothache.
If left untreated, our dentist will have no choice but to remove the tooth entirely. Fortunately, if you visit our root canal dentist as soon as you notice your tooth pain, Dr. Helmus can intervene before the tooth needs to be removed. Here’s how a root canal procedure can save a tooth.
Save A Tooth With Root Canal
What is an abscessed tooth?
Tooth pulp is the living tissue inside your tooth that’s responsible for forming dentin and keeping teeth healthy. Once a cavity is deep enough to penetrate tooth pulp, you may feel an ache in the bone around the tooth. Other symptoms of an abscessed tooth include red swollen gums, fever, and having a bad taste in your mouth.
The sooner you call a root canal dentist, the better your chances for saving an abscessed tooth. A is an infection that forms inside your teeth or gums. If left untreated, a dental abscess can push your tooth upwards until it’s loose enough to fall out. Thankfully, Dr. Helmus will be able to perform a root canal before you run the risk of losing teeth.
How does pulp become damaged?
Most people don’t think about tooth pulp until they need to schedule for a persistent toothache. A tooth infection is more likely after a tooth has undergone multiple dental procedures. For example, you may need a root canal if a tooth was compromised by a large filling or cracks.
Severe tooth decay can also increase your risk of needing root canal treatment, which is why we recommend you see Dr. Helmus every 6 months for preventative care. He will be able to spot small cavities, chips, and cracks during a routine teeth cleaning before they cause major oral health concerns.
The Root Canal Procedure
Dr. Helmus will do everything to save your tooth from needing extraction, including root canal therapy. Once your tooth is numbed with local anesthesia, he will drill a small top near the top of the tooth. Through this hole, Dr. Helmus will be able to remove infected dental pulp and clean the inside of the tooth.
For good measure, Dr. Helmus will flush the inside of the tooth with water and an antimicrobial solution to make sure any remaining infected pulp is removed. A temporary filling is then used to seal the hole until your permanent dental crown is ready to be placed. The permanent root canal crown will be placed when you return for your second appointment.
If you notice tooth pain that doesn’t go away, don’t wait. A root canal procedure is much better than a tooth extraction. Our Wyoming, MI root canal dentist can help you keep your natural tooth if you catch the infection in time. To schedule your appointment, call River Ridge Dentistry at (616) 538-7320.