Our last blog explained how a filling could treat cavities. But what if your tooth develops an infection? As part of our approach to lifetime care for area families, your Olathe, KS, dentists may treat an infected tooth with an endodontic root canal procedure. In today’s blog, we’re going to explain what to expect from this safe and comfortable treatment.
The Link Between Infected Teeth and Tooth Loss
An infection means that harmful oral bacteria has made contact with the pulp, the group of living tissues at the center of your tooth. These are responsible for overseeing the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth, keeping your smile healthy and functional. However, advanced tooth decay or an injury that breaks or cracks a tooth could leave the pulp exposed. The infection then cause pain when you bite down, or discomfort when you eat. Tooth sensitivity and toothaches are common, as is swelling or even a foul discharge from the tooth. When these symptoms arise, please let us know right away. Lack of treatment could mean the tooth becomes lost, or requires extraction to stop the spread of infection to the rest of the smile.
The Root Canal Procedure
We start by examining your smile to see if you need an endodontic treatment. If so, we will administer a numbing agent to ensure comfort, or possibly dental sedation for people with anxiety. We then open the tooth to access and remove the infected tissues from within. Once we do, our team can clean the interior of the tooth and add a special restorative filling known as gutta percha. We then cap the tooth with a custom-made crown. The crown will not only look natural and blend with the rest of the smile, but also protects the remaining tooth structure from further decay, infection, or injury. The process could take as little as one visit!
Keeping Smiles Safe
We want to help protect the smiles of your entire family with general and preventive treatments, such as checkups and cleanings. We’re accepting new patients, and even have membership plans who those without dental insurance, which over preventive treatments with a small monthly fee. We also have plans for those in need of gum disease care, or for kids. Our team also accepts most major insurance plans, and provides third party financing options too!
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
Our team is ready to help you avoid tooth loss and treat your infection in as little as one visit. For more information on the process of protecting smiles from worsening health, or to schedule a dental consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.