When a tooth develops a cavity, then your North Hollywood, CA, dentist will often treat the issue with a lifelike composite resin filling. But what if the tooth has an infection, or a painful abscess? A filling may not be enough, which is why we offer an endodontic procedure, often referred to as a root canal, to restore your smile’s health and function!

The Warning Signs of a Dental Infection

At the center of your tooth is a collection of living tissues known as the pulp, which oversees the flow of blood and nutrients to and from your tooth. This blend of tissues is essential your tooth’s continued life. However, an infected or abscessed means that harmful bacteria has made contact with the inner pulp, and treatment is crucial to prevent the death of the pulp, which essentially kills the tooth and could cause it to become lost or require extraction.

An infection could arise due to damage from injury or teeth grinding, or as a result of an untreated cavity that continues to spread through the tooth. Warning signs vary, but sufferers often report pain biting down or chewing, persistent sensitive teeth and toothaches, and headaches or jaw pain. Fever, swelling near the aching tooth, or a discharge from said tooth are also reported as well.

The Root Canal Process

If you encounter one or more of the symptoms we discussed above, then contact our team right away. We will carefully examine your tooth with advanced technology, and if we the presence of an infection or serious cavity, we will administer a local anesthetic before proceeding. Some patients, especially those with anxiety, may also benefit from dental sedation.

We open the tooth to remove the infected tissues from inside, and then we thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth itself. Next, we prepare and add a special filling material. The final step involves capping the tooth with a custom-made crown, which protects it from further decay or injury, and also provides a lifelike appearance, so you can continue to smile with confidence.

Preventing Future Infected Teeth

To avoid future infections, be sure you brush and floss daily to remove stray food particles, controls plaque buildup, and limit the risk of demineralization of the outer enamel. We also suggest wearing a mouthguard when playing sports to reduce injury, and seeing us every six months for a checkup. Your exam is a chance to keep an eye on your smile for the earliest signs of trouble! If you have any questions about endodontics, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Root Canal Therapy?

Contact Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA by calling 818-763-9353 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our restorative treatment options, including our root canals and fillings!