SAVING TEETH – FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Sometimes a tooth becomes infected. This often happens when a tooth becomes damaged from a traumatic injury, when a deep cavity has gone untreated, or when a cracked or broken tooth has not been fixed. When this infection reaches the pulp, or nerve of the tooth, it causes pain and swelling.
A root canal is often the best approach to preserving the infected tooth. Also known as endodontic treatment, this process involves:
- Accessing the area of the infected tooth
- A gentle removal of the infected nerve tissue
- Thorough cleaning of the inside of the tooth and root
- Filling the tooth with a medicated material
- Placing a temporary filling in the tooth until a permanent restoration can be placed
Depending on the extent of the procedure, pain medication may be prescribed to be used in the days following the treatment. Following the healing process, a dental crown will be placed as the final step in restoring the affected tooth.