When you think about what your tooth looks like, you probably picture the crown of the tooth. That’s the portion of the tooth above the surface of your gum line. This is an important part of your tooth — its strength and durability allow you to comfortably chew and eat food. It’s also the portion of your teeth that people see when you smile, so it’s important to keep the surfaces of your teeth clean. However, beneath your gum line are your tooth’s roots. This sensitive part of your tooth performs the vital task of holding your entire tooth in place. When it becomes infected, you need gentle care to restore it.
Infected Root Canals Are the Result of Serious Tooth Decay
When your tooth becomes infected by bacteria, this process usually starts on the surface. You or your dentist will notice a cavity. If that cavity is not treated, it becomes bigger, and it works its way deeper into your tooth. Soon, it’s not just your enamel that is experiencing damage, but the dentin and pulp of your tooth become infected. Protected by the hard enamel, these portions of your tooth are much more sensitive, and infections here cause serious pain. From the pulp, the bacteria can spread into your root canals, which is dangerous.
Infected Root Canals Create Additional Health Risks
The roots of your tooth hold the entire tooth in place. The root canals are passageways inside the roots of your tooth that connect to your other oral tissues. They carry nerves and blood vessels to and from your teeth. When your root canals become infected with bacteria, they can spread that too. An infected root canal can lead to infections in other oral tissues, and it can create health risks for other parts of your body, like your heart. Treating infected root canals quickly is important.
Root Canal Therapy Provides Gentle Treatment for This Sensitive Portion of Your Tooth
Infected root canals should be treated promptly, but carefully. During root canal therapy, your dentist can create a small opening to access the inside of your tooth’s root. Your dentist can then gently extract all of the bacteria that is causing the infection. With the infected tissue gone, your dentist will then restore the tooth and fill the opening to prevent further infections. Your dentist will also probably want to give you a dental crown to provide extra protection for the vulnerable tooth.
Choose Root Canal Therapy at Elm Creek Dental
Infected root canals pose a serious health risk, so you’ll want to treat them right away. At Elm Creek Dental, you’ll find a staff that is understanding and compassionate with its care. We will walk you through the dental treatment you need, ensuring that you stay informed and comfortable throughout. Schedule an appointment at Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN by contacting our office at 763-416-0606.