While we offer general dental services and cosmetic services, occasionally a tooth needs something more. Should your tooth suffer significant damage, irritation, or decay, it may become infected. An infected tooth can only be treated via extraction or root canal. As one of a dentist’s main priorities is preserving tooth structure, we typically choose to perform root canals and save infected teeth.

The thought of a root canal evokes feelings of fear in many patients, but we hope to distill notions of root canals inflicting pain. In truth, the root canal procedure is no more painful than having a cavity filled, and is similar in practice.

The Danger of an Infected Tooth

A tooth becomes infected when it has suffered significant decay, irritation, or damage. Should bacteria infect the tooth pulp and tooth nerve, those will need to be removed.

You may need a root canal if you experience extreme tooth pain, lingering sensitivity after exposure to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, or swollen adjacent gums. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist for an exam. Even if the problem is not an infected tooth, it’s likely there is another dental issue at hand.

If the infected tooth is left alone, swelling and infection will spread throughout the patient’s jaw, face, neck, and gums. That infection will cause serious health problems. Postponing a root canal will allow this infection to spread and also prolong pain.

Don’t allow your dental anxiety prevent you from seeking endodontic treatment. Our anesthesia options make root canals comfortable and even pleasant for our patients.

Your Root Canal Procedure

1. Your dentist will drill a tiny entry hole in the lingual (tongue) side of the infected tooth. The entry point will be invisible after the root canal.
2. Through this hole, we will remove the infected tooth pulp and nerve.
3. We will x-ray the tooth to ensure it is clean and all infected pulp has been eradicated.
4. Your dentist will fill the tooth with a rubber compound to keep out infection. The entry hole will be covered with a small filling.
5. Once the area has healed, we will place a dental crown over the tooth if necessary. This is only required if the tooth’s structure has been compromised by infection or decay. Otherwise, the tooth should be strong enough to last a lifetime.
6. Upon the healing of initial swelling, your tooth will not trouble you any longer. As the nerve has been removed, your tooth will not experience sensitivity to hot or cold. The extreme pain preceding your root canal will be a distant memory.

Root canals are infinitely more satisfying than dental myths would have patients believe. The procedure is comfortable, and the pain of infection is alleviated forever. If you think you may have an infected tooth, discover a pleasant root canal with Cottrell & Associates. Call us today.

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