If you have an infected tooth, it’s important to get it treated. A tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body and can even turn deadly. Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, removes the tooth’s soft interior, known as the pulp, when it’s damaged by infection or decay. This treatment can often save a tooth from extraction. And while root canals have a reputation as being uncomfortable, modern technique means that you will feel little or no discomfort during the procedure, and within a few days your pain will likely be much less than it was before the procedure.
If you have been told you need a root canal treatment in Kuna, or you suspect you have an infected tooth, please call (208) 922-1755 today for an appointment with a dentist at Deluxe Dental.
Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of an infected tooth. An infected tooth is a serious condition that can grow worse, even deadly if left untreated. Watch for these symptoms:
- Toothache–might be severe
- Sensitivity to pressure or temperature
- Tooth turns dark
- Persistent bad breath
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Pimple-like sore on the gums
- Discharge from tooth or gums
- Tooth or gums feels warm
- Fever
Not everyone experiences all these symptoms. If you have more than one of them, it’s a good idea to contact a dentist right away for treatment.
Most people think that you have to have pain or you can’t have an infected tooth. While most people do have a toothache or sensitivity, that’s not always the case. Other symptoms, like the darkening of the tooth, bad breath, sores, and discharge are just as important. Fever is an especially critical symptom–it might mean that your infection is spreading. Infection that spreads to your blood, brain, or lungs can turn deadly.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Each tooth has at least one nerve that runs through the tooth and connects to the underlying tissues. The nerve is the life source of the tooth. This nerve and is surrounded by nutrients in a soft tissue called pulp, which lies in a chamber inside the tooth known as a root canal. If the pulp becomes infected or exposed (due to decay or structural damage), it can be very painful.
A root canal procedure begins with the use of local anesthetic through an injection. Once the tooth and surrounding area are numb, our dentist will access the inside of your tooth through an incision from the top. We will then remove the pulp and clean the chamber thoroughly. An antimicrobial solution will also be administered to the chamber to prevent future bacteria from building and causing damage or decay. Finally, we fill the nerve cavity with an inert material called gutta-percha after a thorough cleaning. A tooth that has a root canal done on it almost always needs a crown to be placed as well to reinforce the strength of the tooth.
Do You Need a Root Canal in Kuna?
If you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of an infected root canal, it may be time to remove the decay before it affects your tooth further. Please give our dental office a call at (208) 922-1755 to schedule an appointment today.
