Root Canal Therapy for a Tooth Infection

Many dentists recommend root canal therapy to treat a tooth infection. While they may try less invasive treatments at first, a root canal therapy is often the most effective method for accessing the root of the tooth and removing the infected dental pulp. This relieves symptoms and ensures the long-term health of the tooth. 

Root canal therapy and tooth infection treatment

Root canal therapy is a great way to restore the structural integrity of an infected tooth. It is helpful to understand what root canal therapy is and how the treatment process works to determine if it is right for you. The following is a complete review of the root canal therapy that is performed to treat a tooth infection. 

Root canal therapy explained

Root canal therapy involves accessing the root of the damaged, decayed or infected tooth and removing the infected dental pulp that lies within the pulp chamber in the tooth’s root. This is a minor surgical procedure, although it is safe and does not require extensive recovery time. Root canal therapy is often necessary to remove the infected tooth pulp inside of a tooth’s root in order to save the tooth from becoming lost or having the infection spread. 

How a root canal therapy can treat a tooth infection

A tooth infection is often the result of excess bacteria flooding the root of a tooth when the root becomes exposed. The pulp chamber in the root of the tooth contains nerves and blood vessels, so any time that an infection develops, it leads to increased pain and sensitivity. Root canal therapy can treat a tooth infection by removing the infected dental pulp inside the pulp chamber. The dentist will also clean the pulp cavity and fill it with gutta-percha (a dental filling material). This filling restores the morphology of the tooth. A dental crown is then applied to restore the structural integrity of the tooth. 

The benefits of root canal therapy

The most notable benefit of root canal therapy is saving the infected or decayed tooth from falling out. Another more obvious benefit of root canal therapy is the relief from symptoms such as tooth pain, sensitivity and gum swelling. However, root canal therapy can also restore the size, shape and function of the tooth and improve its appearance. 

When to consider root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is commonly performed to remove infected dental pulp, but it can also be performed for other reasons. A dentist may also recommend root canal therapy if there is dental decay that extends toward the tooth’s root. Essentially, any time that the root of the tooth is damaged, decayed or infected, root canal therapy should be considered. 

Schedule a consultation for tooth infection treatment

Our dental practice offers consultation visits to help patients with a tooth infection learn more about root canal therapy so they can make an appropriate decision about treatment. Reach out to us by phone or email to set up a consultation visit with our friendly team. 

Request an appointment here: https://dentalcareofmadison.com or call Dental Care of Madison at (601) 898-9390 for an appointment in our Madison office.

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