As part of our approach to emergency treatments, we’re also addressing teeth with severe cavities or infections, as these issues could lead to tooth loss and other serious complications. In today’s blog, your Overland Park, KS, dentist explains how we save these teeth with root canal therapy, and what you can do to lower your risk of developing an infected tooth.
The Dangers of a Dental Infection
The pulp, a bundle of living tissues at the center of your tooth, oversees the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth, keeping it healthy and functional. The pulp is surrounded by dentin, sensitive structure that makes up most of your tooth, and then protected further by the outer layer of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. When poor oral hygiene leads to plaque and tartar on the enamel, this weakens the protective layer and allows bacteria to reach dentin, causing a cavity. As the cavity spreads and reaches the pulp, the tooth is infected or abscessed, leading to serious discomfort and the risk of a lost tooth!
The Root Canal Process
Let us know if you experience pain in your tooth, or discomfort when you eat or bite down. If there is swelling near your tooth, or a discharge from it, this could also indicate the presence of an infection. When you arrive, we will carefully examine your smile. If we find an infection, we will administer a local anesthetic and open the tooth to access and remove the infected tissue. We then clean the inside of the tooth and add a restorative material to the interior. The final step involves capping the tooth with a crown, which protects the tooth and also offers a lifelike appearance.
Safeguarding Your Smile From Home
To reduce your risk of developing cavities or infection from home, start each day by brushing your teeth for two minutes with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Do the same before bed, and also floss up and down each side of every tooth as well. These actions reduce the severity of plaque buildup by removing food particles trapped on and between teeth. You should also cut back on sugary foods and drinks, which feed harmful bacteria. If you have any questions about maintaining good oral hygiene from home, or about addressing decayed or infected teeth, then contact our team today. We want to make sure your smile stays healthy during this time!
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
We want to make sure your tooth isn’t suffering from a worsening infection or an advanced case of tooth decay. To learn more about our approach to restorative dental care and emergency dentistry, then schedule your consultation by calling Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.