Root Canal Therapy | Santa Rosa

If an infection develops in your tooth, you can be faced with serious complications. A tooth infection does more than just cause significant pain. It can also lead to the development of serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and more. An infected tooth will not heal on its own. At our Santa Rosa dental office, Harry Albers DDS can treat a tooth infection, restoring your oral health and preserving the affected tooth, with root canal therapy.

How Does An Infection Develop?

Believe it or not, your teeth are the strongest substance in your body. Even so, they can still suffer issues such as physical damage or decay. These issues can weaken the tooth, leaving it vulnerable. Bacteria can travel into the inner layers of the affected tooth. Once there, they begin to multiply, filling in the canals inside of the tooth an irritating the pulp. This irritation leads to inflammation and a significant amount of pain.

Without treatment, an infection only worsens. As bacteria multiply, they can begin to spill out through the root of the tooth, leading to the formation of an abscess. This is a sac that forms in an attempt to contain the bacteria. It grows larger and larger and can eventually rupture, allowing the bacteria to get into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.

Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection

The most common symptom of a tooth infection is a painful toothache. It is possible, however, that an infection can develop without pain. There are several other symptoms that may accompany a tooth infection as well. These symptoms include swelling in the jaw and face, tooth sensitivity that lingers, and a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away. An infection can also cause the formation of an abscess as well as bone loss in the jaw, but these signs are not noticeable without an X-ray.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a treatment performed to eliminate infection from a tooth and restore your oral health. This treatment helps to preserve the affected tooth, enabling it to stay in your jaw and remain functional. When we can preserve the tooth, you do not need to worry about a tooth extraction and subsequent replacement. Eliminating an infection involves removing the infected pulp and disinfecting the interior of the tooth before placing a crown on it.

How Is A Root Canal Done?

Root canal therapy is performed under a local anesthetic. Sedation may also be provided if you are feeling anxious. We begin by drilling a small hole into the top of the tooth. Specialized tools are used to then remove the infected pulp. The canals inside the tooth are shaped and cleaned. The whole interior of the tooth is disinfected. Next, a material called gutta percha is then placed into the tooth, sealing the canals to prevent new bacteria from getting in. Finally, a crown is then placed on the tooth. The crown functions to protect the tooth, prevent new infections and restore the strength of the tooth so it can continue to function normally.

Successful root canal therapy restores your oral health and preserves your affected tooth, allowing it to remain functional for the rest of your life. If you suspect a tooth infection, call Harry Albers DDS at (707) 575-1190 to schedule your appointment today.