Can You Save an Infected Tooth? You Absolutely Can with Proper Treatment

When a tooth has become severely infected or decayed, it’s essential to visit a dentist in Garden Ridge, Texas, to get treatment as soon as possible. Taking care of an infected tooth quickly can prevent bacteria from building up and spreading throughout the body, possibly leading to other more severe health problems like heart attacks and cancer. The bacteria that causes gum disease and tooth decay is no joke; if left unchecked, it can wreck your health in the long run.

1. Symptoms of an Infected Tooth

Here are a few common symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal:

•   Discolored or darkened teeth
•   Swollen or red tender gums
•   Recurring gum pimples
•   Tooth sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
•   Incredible pain when chewing or applying pressure on your teeth

What makes this issue even worse is that sometimes, patients don’t even experience any symptoms. While unpleasant, symptoms are our body’s way of telling us something isn’t right. Without them, you would likely be fooled into thinking your smile is perfectly healthy. In those cases, routine oral exams are vital as they detect infections before they get out of hand.

2. Antibiotic Treatment

Sometimes, a dentist will prescribe antibiotics to patients with an infected tooth. In some cases, the patient may need to take antibiotics before work can be done on the infected tooth. However, antibiotics alone may not treat an infected tooth fully. In this case, a root canal may need to be done. 

3. Root Canal Therapy

The root canal is the most misunderstood therapy in dentistry’s history. For generations, this standard procedure has struck fear in patients’ hearts. But, as with many things, depictions of root canals in popular movies and TV shows paint a very different picture from what happens in real life.

Today’s root canals are far safer, more effective, and almost painless. This treatment is unrivaled when it comes to restoring dental health and saving smiles, and at Rolling Oaks Dental, Dr. Larry Dougherty and his talented team strive to put your worries to rest should you need a root canal.

Today’s root canals are about as painful as getting a new filling. That’s about the level of discomfort you can expect when getting a root canal at Rolling Oaks Dental.

4. Root Canal Treatment

Root canals usually require one or more office visits, and for more serious cases, Dr. Dougherty may recommend a skilled endodontist specializing in advanced root canal therapies. 

5. Root Canal Treatment Steps

Here are the steps involved in getting a root canal:

1. First, we take x-rays and scans of the infected tooth or teeth to determine the extent of damage to your root canal. We specifically seek signs of infection near your jawbone.
2. Using local anesthesia, we numb the tissues we need to work on. Treatments like oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide are very effective at ensuring you feel as little discomfort as possible.
3. We place a rubber sheet we call a “dam” around your tooth to keep the treated area dry.
4. We then drill a hole into the infected tooth and remove the infected nerve and pulp tissue. After the infected tissue has been removed, we clean and disinfect the tooth to prevent further bacterial growth.
5. Next, we flush out the tooth with water, and if the infection is particularly aggressive, we might use medication inside the tooth to further eliminate the harmful bacteria.
6. After flushing, we may use a temporary filling if you need another appointment. But in most cases, we’ll seal the tooth using a rubber compound and sealer paste before placing your final filling.
7. The last stage is restoration, where we place a crown over the damaged tooth to protect it further and, once again, make it fully functional.

6. Tooth Extraction

There are scenarios where an infected tooth can’t be saved. If the tooth has severe damage or is abscessed, tooth extraction may be necessary. Removing an infected tooth can help you avoid more complicated health issues. 

Seeking Professional Help for an Infected Tooth in Garden Ridge, Texas

A root canal doesn’t have to be scary. We can ensure you get the treatment you need in complete comfort and leave knowing your smile is once again healthy and pain-free. To learn more, call Rolling Oaks Dental at (210) 880-2229 to schedule your first visit. Let us show you how you have nothing to fear and everything to gain.

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