We Use Root Canals to Treat Infected Teeth
An infected tooth can be a painful experience for someone and could end up needing a root canal. If the infection was not caught early on, having the issue fixed will be the most significant priority someone has. Not only from the pain of the infection, but other factors could be occurring such as bad breath or a taste in the person's mouth that will not go away.
What is an infected tooth?
Another term for a tooth that is infected is that it has an abscess and can be extremely sensitive. Once it has been determined that there is an abscess, then the procedure to complete the root canal is pretty straight forward.
It is best to ensure that the abscess is completely taken care of so that the root canal can be done. This will ensure that the structure of the tooth can be saved and kept in good condition. The steps to complete the root canal when dealing with an infected abscessed tooth are as follows:
Step 1: Drain the abscess
First, the dentist will have to make a tiny incision into the gum. After doing this, it will allow the dentist to drain the pus from the tooth that is causing the build-up of bacteria and the infection to occur.
Step 2: Perform the root canal
Doing the root canal can help in draining the abscess and be the determining factor of saving the tooth. A dentist completes this by drilling into the tooth and removing the bacteria-filled area. After ensuring that the abscess is drained and clear, the dentist will perform the seal. The seal of a root canal will ensure that no bacteria or other debris gets in the chamber of the tooth which could be painful and cause other issues to arise.
Step 3: After the root canal
After the root canal is done, either a crown or dental filling will be used to help fill and keep the area safe and secure. On some occasions and depending on the state of the tooth and mouth, a dentist may leave the root canal open for a time to help in ensuring the abscess is drained completely.
Typically the dental crown or dental filling is used and is an essential aspect of having a root canal. Because the tooth chamber is exposed during a root canal, ensuring that the area is kept secure and free from the chance of having bacteria beginning to infect the area again is crucial. It is important to have this protection to ensure that the tooth stays healthy and intact and does not need to be extracted.
Have more questions about root canals and infected teeth?
Have more questions about root canals and how they can help with an infected tooth? Give our office a call, and we will gladly answer any additional questions you may have. Contact us today!
Request an appointment here: or call True Health Dental - Dr. Navid at (707) 422-2410 for an appointment in our Fairfield office.
Recent Posts
Yellowed teeth often keep people from smiling or laughing in public, but a little intervention with some cosmetic dentistry is all it takes to get the teeth sparkling a little brighter. While a dental professional will have access to high-grade teeth whiteners, it is possible to work on whitening teeth at home using over-the-counter methods…
If you are looking to improve the appearance of your teeth, a smile makeover is the way to go. The term refers to a series of cosmetic dentistry procedures performed to restore or improve the appearance of a person's smile.Whether your teeth have been damaged by an accident or you simply have never been happy…
Regularly getting general dentistry services can go a long way when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy. Preventive dentistry treatments are the most common treatments performed by dentists, and they help to protect teeth from the things that are most likely to damage them.Teeth are naturally protected by enamel, which is the hardest part…
Whether it's believable or not, oral piercings can have a significant effect on the rest of the mouth - including the teeth and the gums. When something sharp and metal is placed inside something that holds a lot of bacteria, such as the mouth, the piercing is likely to get infected. An infected tongue will…