When your tooth is badly infected, it loses its integrity, causing it to rot away. The tooth’s infection may then spread to the other teeth in your mouth. To prevent this from happening, your dental experts at Wambaugh Dental may recommend endodontic therapy. With this treatment, we can remove the infection and ensure that your teeth can stay healthy in the future. To learn more about this treatment option, reach out to Wambaugh Dental today at 281.501.7849.
What is Endodontic Therapy?
Endodontic therapy, also known as a root canal, is a relatively painless treatment that aims at clearing infection and protecting the tooth from subsequent infections.
When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue, and germs can cause infection. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result.
This infection not only puts your jawbones at risk for injury, but it is also detrimental to your overall health. Without the proper treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
Teeth that require endodontic therapy are not always painful. However, signs you may need a root canal include:
- Severe toothache
- Pain upon chewing or application of pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
- Dark discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
What Happens During Endodontic Therapy?
Root canal treatment involves one to three visits during which your endodontist removes the affected tissue. After the tissue is removed, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed.
Finally, the tooth is filled with a dental composite. If your tooth had extensive decay, your doctor might suggest placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breakage. As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Most teeth can be saved by endodontic therapy. However, tooth extraction may be necessary if:
- Roots are severely fractured
- The tooth does not have the adequate bone support
- The tooth cannot be restored
- Root canals are not accessible
Endodontic therapy is intended to help save your tooth from extraction. Missing teeth can make you self-conscious, affect your ability to bite and chew, cause other healthy teeth to shift, and harm your overall health. By choosing to receive endodontic therapy, you are choosing to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.
How To Prevent Infection
To prevent the need for endodontic therapy, the best thing to do is maintain proper oral health habits. In other words, you should do your best to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. You may also want to use a mouthwash that the American Dental Association has approved.
Also, you should make sure you make and attend dentist appointments at least twice a year. Your dentist will clean your teeth and ensure that you do not have any cavities that may require endodontic treatments.
Contact Wambaugh Dental
At Wambaugh Dental, our goal is to ensure that your teeth stay healthy. One way we do that is through preventative care options and, if necessary, through endodontic treatment. We also offer a range of other treatment options, including:
Don’t let your infected teeth ruin your beautiful, healthy smile. With the help of our endodontic therapy options, we can remove the infection and ensure that the rest of your teeth remain infection-free. Reach out to Wambaugh Dental today at 281.501.7849, or contact us online to learn more about our treatment options or how a root canal can help you.