Severe illnesses require serious treatment, and make no mistake, tooth decay is an illness. Bacteria aggregate and infect your tooth, causing a cavity over time. However, bacteria won’t stop on the surface of your tooth. They will work their way deeper into the pulp of your tooth, and eventually into your tooth’s roots. The root canals of your tooth serve as a transportation system between other oral tissues. These roots can become infected, and they can spread that infection. If your tooth’s infection is severe, you’ll likely need root canal therapy.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a treatment that your dentist can use to access the roots of your tooth and remove bacterial infection. In addition to holding your tooth in place, your roots have canals that transport blood vessels and nerves to and from your tooth. When you’re experiencing a bacterial infection, that means these canals can also transport bacteria.
Root canal therapy allows your dentist to make a small hole in the root of your tooth and then carefully extract the bacterial infection. Then, your dentist will use gutta percha (a biocompatible rubber-like substance) to fill the roots of your tooth and protect against further bacterial infection. Your dentist will likely want to place a dental crown over the damaged tooth as well.
How Can You Determine if Your Tooth Infection Is Severe?
You may wonder what signs you can look for to determine whether or not you need root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is the result of tooth decay over time. This means the problem likely stemmed from gum disease or a cavity. You should look for and treat these conditions right away if you ever notice them. Significant pain in your tooth, or even in other areas of your head and mouth, can actually be related to infected tooth roots. Treating bacterial infections as early as possible reduced the amount of pain and overhead you’ll experience.
Letting Infection Spread Can Lead to Serious Consequences for Your Tooth
It’s important to treat any degree of tooth decay as soon as possible. A simple cavity may not even require sedation to fill. As a cavity gets worse, it weakens the structure of the tooth. Eventually, a filling won’t cut it, and you’ll need a dental crown. As the bacteria continues to spread to the pulp of your tooth, it can reach the root canals and cause infections or pain in other oral tissues. Compromised tooth roots can lead to a weakened and wobbly tooth. If you let infection spread, you can eventually lose the tooth.
Cedar Dental Treats Infected Teeth and Tooth Roots
If you’re suffering from tooth decay, your condition won’t improve until you take action. Our team at Cedar Dental welcomes patients of all ages. Whether you need a simple cavity or root canal therapy, the Cedar team can help. Make an appointment for yourself or your child today by contacting Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA at 319-364-7108.
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