How A Root Canal Helps Save An Infected Tooth | Lexington, KY [Blog]
Your teeth should not cause any pain or discomfort, not even when you chew on hard foods. That’s because teeth are covered by enamel. This acts like armor around the tender dental pulp inside every tooth.
So when you experience a toothache, even if it comes and goes, you really need to call Beaumont Family Dentistry in Lexington, KY today at 859-554-1772. Our team can examine your teeth and determine what’s the likely cause of pain. If it is an infected tooth, then a root canal is probably needed.
But don’t worry! Our dentists have the experience and training to complete this simple procedure and save that tooth.
Know How Teeth Get Infected
What causes this problem? Usually, it’s from harmful bacteria.
To be honest, everyone has some of these in their mouths. They survive on tiny particles of food and drink left behind on your teeth and gums. (That’s why brushing and flossing are so important.) Unfortunately, they also secrete an acid that burns away enamel. If you have a cavity, it was due to these harmful bacteria.
If a filling or dental crown isn’t used soon enough, the acid burns its way to the inside of the tooth. This is where you will find the tooth’s the blood vessels and nerve endings. When the bacteria slip into here, they infect the tooth. This also triggers those nerve endings, which is why you can have a toothache.
Eventually, the problem grows worse. The pain that comes and goes tends to stay, and the gums around the tooth can get swollen and tender. If the infection is not removed, you could lose the tooth.
Get Relief With A Root Canal
With the bacteria inside the tooth, you need to go there and remove it. That’s exactly what a root canal procedure does. This must be done gently, which is why our Lexington dentists are a great choice. Some of our dentists have advanced training in endodontics, and you can choose from three different kinds of dental sedation.
And a root canal is not very painful! Between local anesthetic and rotary endodontics (a modern, precise tool), you should be just fine. Even better, these treatments can relieve the pain from the tooth in question! You also get to keep that tooth instead of having it removed and replaced. In other words, this treatment can save you in the long run.
If you are still anxious, that’s understandable. You can get sedation to help feel relaxed and calm throughout the procedure. Inhaled sedation or oral sedation (a small pill) are available for most patients. Two of our dentists are even licensed to offer IV sedation. You’ll be put in a sleep-like state, and the root canal will be done before you know it.
Don’t let an infected tooth bother you any longer. Call Beaumont Family Dentistry in Lexington, KY today at 859-223-2120 or contact us online to request an appointment at one of our three locations!