A dental infection can arise for a number of different reasons, from poor oral hygiene to injury. However, once an infection sets in, your tooth will require treatment quickly, otherwise an extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection. Fortunately, we can use a root canal to save an infected teeth and restore the smiles of our Johnston, IA patients.
The Causes and Dangers of a Dental Infection
First, you need to know that each tooth is composed of several layers. The outmost is the enamel, a protective layer made up of the hardest substance in the human body. Beneath this sits the dentin, a more sensitive structure. Finally, at the center is the pulp, the living tissue that keeps the tooth alive and healthy. Decay forms when bacteria move past the enamel and into the dentin, often through chips, cracks, or cavities. An infection develops when bacteria finally comes into contact with the pulp, often through an untreated cavity.
Root Canal Therapy
If you have a tooth that hurts, especially when you eat or speak, or if you experience swelling near the tooth or a discharge form the tooth, then you need treatment. Otherwise, the tooth may require removal to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or into the jawbone itself.
Root canal therapy involves removing the infected tissue from the tooth and cleaning the interior of the tooth. We can then apply a restorative material to the tooth and cap the tooth with a custom-made crown.
Natural Looking Repair
The dental crown can be designed and created in one visit. We create them using lifelike materials, such a ceramic, and they prevent further damage or decay to the tooth. If you have any questions or concerns about treating an infected tooth or about the root canal process, then contact our team today. We can help return your tooth to optimal health and function.
Do You Need Endodontic Treatment?
Dr. Lawson and our team are ready to help preserve your tooth and address an infected or abscessed. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our sleep dentistry office in Johnston, IA, at 515-278-4366.
