Root Canal Therapy to Treat an Infected Tooth

One of the main reasons that dentists recommend root canal therapy is to treat tooth infections. A tooth infection typically develops after dental trauma or as a result of improper oral hygiene, and it can be a serious concern that continually spreads and grows worse without treatment, ultimately leading to tooth loss. 

Reviewing the root canal therapy procedure

Due to the risks that an infected tooth presents, it is important to treat an infected tooth promptly. Although antibiotics may work to treat minor cases of a tooth infection, root canal therapy is often the most ideal way to treat the issue. The following is a review of what root canal therapy is and how it can effectively treat an infected tooth. 

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure to clean and remove infected pulp in the root of the tooth. It is a form of minor oral surgery, although it is relatively routine and can often be completed in the dentist's office. Root canal therapy is often necessary if the tooth infection is unable to be properly treated through antibiotics and other forms of less invasive treatment. The procedure involves accessing the root of the tooth, removing the damaged and infected dental pulp and filling the cavity with a healthy dental material. Most dentists also recommend placing a permanent dental crown over the tooth for long-term protection. 

What can root canal therapy treat?

Root canal therapy can treat a variety of concerns, although it is most commonly used to treat severe cases of tooth decay (cavities) and tooth infections. Dentists typically recommend root canal therapy if an infected tooth is unable to be treated through less invasive measures, such as antibiotics or a change in diet and lifestyle. For severe infections inside of the pulp chamber, root canal therapy removes the infected pulp and replaces it with gutta-percha, a healthy filling material used by dentists. The same process is applied for severe decay that cannot be treated through a standard dental filling. 

When is root canal therapy necessary?

An infected tooth often leads to tooth pain and sensitivity. Gum complications, such as gum swelling and discoloration, may also develop. If these signs exist, especially if the tooth in question is damaged, it is important to visit the dentist for a diagnosis and to learn about the available treatment options. 

Is root canal therapy invasive?

Root canal therapy does require a minor surgical procedure, but it is most often performed in the dentist’s office. It is a safe procedure with few side effects and a fast recovery time. The dentist can help you prepare for the root canal procedure and ensure that you are able to make a good recovery. 

Talk to our dental team today about root canal therapy

We encourage you to give our dental team a call today if you have symptoms of an infected tooth. Root canal therapy is not always necessary, and our dentist will explain all available treatment options to you and make a professional treatment recommendation.

Are you considering a root canal in the Chicago area? Get more information at https://smilesonmichigan.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.