CLINTON, WI - FAMILY DENTISTRY WITH A GENTLE TOUCH
Root Canal Therapy
Inside every tooth is an area called the pulp chamber, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a tooth fracture, or damaged dental work can provide an entryway for harmful oral bacteria, leading to tooth pulp infection. A tooth infection can cause severe pain and put your smile at risk.
Root canal therapy can save the infected tooth and alleviate your discomfort. With our modern techniques, dental anesthetics, and gentle approach, you can count on Dr. Jacobson and her team at Clinton Family Dental for care that exceeds your expectations!
What Are Common Signs of Tooth Pulp Infection?
Signs of tooth pulp infection requiring root canal therapy may include the following:
- A throbbing toothache that lingers or comes and goes but always returns
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting
- A tooth chip or crack, which provides an entryway for harmful oral bacteria
- Grayish or blackish tooth discoloration resulting from trauma
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Swelling or a pimple-like bump or lump on the gums indicating an abscess
- Swelling of the face, cheek, or neck
Developing any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have an infected tooth. However, we recommend paying a visit to Clinton Family Dental. Dr. Jacobson will recommend the most conservative treatment options to get your smile’s health back on track.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
We will start by administering local anesthesia to ensure your root canal is free of pain. The treatment involves making a small opening in your tooth to remove the infected pulp tissues, then cleaning and filling the root canals with a rubber-type material called gutta-percha. Sometimes, we place medicine in the canals and a temporary filling to allow the tooth more time to disinfect before restoring. Other times, we are able to place the permanent filling and prepare the tooth for a dental restoration the same day.
After your root canal, the tooth may become brittle and prone to fracture. We typically recommend placing a dental crown to strengthen the tooth and restore its health and function.
Can Antibiotics Treat My Infected Tooth?
Treating an infected tooth with antibiotics may provide temporary relief. However, it cannot remove the source of the infection. The pain may disappear temporarily, but that does not mean the infection has resolved or the tooth is healthy once again.
Root canal therapy is the only option to treat an infected tooth. Otherwise, you risk complications, such as an abscess, which can lead to facial swelling and bone loss around the affected tooth's root. The infection can spread to other parts of your body, putting your health at risk.
The only alternative to a root canal treatment is to have the tooth extracted. Depending on the location of the tooth, Dr. Jacobson may recommend a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant restoration to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting toward the gap. With proper care, your root canal-treated tooth can enhance your smile for many years to come!
Don't wait in pain with a painful or damaged tooth.
Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Clinton, WI
Root canal therapy may have a fearsome reputation, but in reality, the endodontic procedure relieves tooth pain rather than causing it. At Clinton Family Dental, we spare no effort to ensure you are comfortable while receiving the highest-quality care.
Give us a call at 608-676-5415 or contact us online to see how we can help.
We look forward to caring for all your dental needs.