Bacteria are naturally present in your mouth, and they can aid in digestion and the breakdown of food. However, they can also form harmful biofilms on the surfaces of your teeth — aka, plaque. When you fail to thoroughly clean your teeth, the bacteria will produce acid that wears away at your enamel and causes infection. When this infection spreads deep into the tooth, it can affect the root canals of the teeth. These interior passageways lead from the tooth to other tissues in the mouth. When these areas become infected, you need serious care to counteract the problem.

Root Canal Therapy Is the Level of Serious Care that an Infected Tooth Needs

Root canal therapy is the treatment used to address serious infection in the root canals. During this procedure, your dentist will access the interior of the roots of your tooth and carefully remove the infected pulp. This prevents the bacteria from spreading to other oral tissues and reduces the pain and swelling in the area. Then, your dentist will fill the root canal with a biocompatible, rubber-like substance to keep bacteria out in the future. Your dentist will also fill the tooth to restore structural integrity. You may also need a dental crown for the vulnerable tooth.

Ignoring Infection in the Root Canals Will Make Things Worse

If you’re tempted to “tough it out” or hold off on treatment, understand that this will only compound your problems. Bacteria won’t go away on their own. In fact, the infected pulp and tissue in your root canals can actually spread to other oral tissues and cause further infection. Don’t ignore infection. Fight back, with root canal therapy.

Cedar Dental Provides Friendly Care for Your Root Canal Therapy

When you’ve got an oral health issue, it can be anxiety-inducing. You need a partner that will help educate you and make you feel at ease throughout the process. Cedar Dental is that partner. The friendly, knowledgeable staff are prepared to guide you along your journey to recovery. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, talk to the experts at Cedar. You can make your appointment with Cedar Dental by contacting the office in Cedar Rapids, IA at 319-364-7108.