When a tooth develops an infection, treatment is crucial to avoid the loss of the tooth altogether. We’re currently only offering our Garland, TX, patients emergency care, but that includes treating infections. In today’s blog, we’re looking at how to prevent them, and how we treat them once they develop.
The Causes of an Infected Tooth
Our teeth stay healthy and functional due to the inner pulp, a group of living tissues that oversee the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth. The pulp is surrounded by dentin and further protected by the outermost layer of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. However, should the enamel become damaged due to a broken or cracked tooth, or weakened as a result of plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene, then bacteria reach the dentin and cause a cavity to form. Over time, cavities spread until reaching the pulp, causing an infection.
Toothaches and Other Warning Signs
Once your tooth is infected, you may experience a prolonged and persistent toothache or pain when eating. Swelling near the aching tooth is common, as is a discharge from the tooth itself. If you experience persistent pain, then let us know right away. If the infected tooth isn’t treated, this could cause the pulp to die and effectively kill the tooth. An extraction is then necessary to prevent the infection from reaching nearby teeth and causing more intense discomfort.
Treating Your Smile
To treat the issue, we will use a root canal procedure to access and remove the infected tissue from the tooth. We then add a restorative filling material and cap the tooth with a custom-made dental crown. The crown not only protects the tooth, but looks natural too! To prevent the onset of a decayed or infected tooth, then you should brush your teeth when you wake up and again before bed for two minutes. Make sure you use a toothpaste with fluoride, as this strengthens the outer enamel. Floss every night before bed, and try to cut back on the sugary foods and drinks, as they feed harmful bacteria and causes plaque buildup. If you have any questions about treating pain in your tooth, or about protecting your smile while you’re at home, then contact our team today!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY?
If you encounter regular pain in your smile, then you may need to see us for restorative treatment. To learn more about our approach to restorative dentistry, and the health and safety protocols we follow to protect our patients, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
