Do you suffer from tooth pain? You may need dental care. If you have a tooth infection that has entered the tooth, Dr. Chad Boustany may recommend a root canal in his Charleston, WV, dental office. This treatment is a part of endodontics, a branch of dentistry that concerns the pulp, tissues, and nerves within the tooth.
While many patients may fear the pain of a root canal, Dr. Boustany will numb your tooth so you won’t feel any pain. You won’t feel any discomfort when you get this dental service.
How Does Dental Infection Reach Inside the Tooth?
A dental infection starts when bacteria get into your tooth through a cavity, crack, or chip in the enamel. The enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your tooth, but once it’s damaged, bacteria can reach the softer inner layer called the dentin. From there, the infection can travel deeper into the pulp, which is the center of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Signs of Tooth Infection
The signs of a dental infection can develop slowly, but once you notice them, they’re hard to ignore. Look for these signs that you may have tooth decay:
- Severe, throbbing tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
- Red or tender gums around the tooth
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Pain when you bite and chew
- Fever
Dr. Boustany wants to treat your dental decay as soon as possible to prevent the chance of a tooth abscess. A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms as a small pimple or bump. If he finds an abscess, he’ll drain it to prevent it from bursting. A burst abscess is dangerous because it can spread infection throughout the body.
If we can save your tooth, we recommend a root canal. A root canal will preserve and seal your tooth to reduce the risk of reinfection.
Do I Need a Root Canal or a Tooth Extraction?
If you notice any signs of an infection, please call Dr. Boustany for an exam. He’ll help you determine the right treatment for you. Dr. Boustany will take digital X-rays if needed to look for the areas of infection.
A root canal is usually recommended when the inside of your tooth (the pulp) is infected, but the outer structure is still strong enough to save. Common signs you may need a root canal include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth, or a pimple-like bump on your gums. A root canal cleans out the infection and allows you to keep your natural tooth.
A tooth extraction may be needed if the tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired. You might need an extraction if the tooth is cracked below the gumline, has severe decay, or cannot be restored with a crown or root canal. Removing the tooth can protect the rest of your mouth from further infection or discomfort.
If Dr. Boustany needs to remove the tooth, he’ll place a dental implant. As an implant dentist, he’ll walk you through every step of treatment.
Root Canal Therapy in our Charleston, WV Dentist Office
Dr. Boustany offers gentle and effective root canal therapy to help save damaged or infected teeth. Many people feel nervous when they hear the words “root canal,” but the treatment is actually simple and often no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The goal is to remove the infection, relieve your pain, and protect your natural tooth so you don’t need an extraction.
During a root canal, Dr. Boustany carefully removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans the area, and seals it to prevent future problems. After treatment, the tooth is usually restored with a dental crown to make it strong and fully functional again.
Aftercare
After your root canal, it’s important to care for your tooth and the new crown so they heal properly and stay strong. You may feel a little sore for a day or two, but this is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with any discomfort.
While your temporary crown is in place, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and avoid sticky or hard foods. This helps prevent the temporary crown from breaking or coming loose. Once your permanent crown is placed, you can return to your normal eating habits.
Good oral hygiene is also important. Brush twice a day and floss gently around the treated tooth to keep the area clean. Be sure to follow any instructions from Dr. Boustany, and let the office know if you experience swelling, pain that gets worse, or if your crown feels loose.
Regular dental checkups will help keep your restored tooth healthy and strong. With proper care, your crown can last for many years.
Schedule a Visit Today
Dr. Boustany is your local dentist near you for root canal treatment. Call Revive Dental Today at 304-396-6658. You can also request an appointment online. Let him know if you have questions or concerns about treatment and he’ll be happy to help.