A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed in dental offices. Unfortunately, infection can make pulling the tooth out more complicated and painful, and other circumstances can further complicate procedures like this.
In this article, we will discuss how you can identify an infected tooth, how this infection can affect the procedure of removing the infected tissue, and what you can do to make sure the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
Tooth infections are easily identifiable, but some variables can make assessing the infection tricky. Here are some easy ways to identify if your tooth is infected.
Sometimes there forms an obvious blob of discolored tissue around the tooth. If it is an abscess, it will likely fill with puss– a milky yellow or white liquid and be extremely painful to the touch.
If you can feel a jolt of pain in your teeth that comes with your heartbeat, that is a tell-tale sign that your tooth is infected. This is because your tooth's nerves can detect the bacteria causing the infection, which causes the pain.
Typically, this symptom also goes along with a significant amount of pain, but it can be complicated if you utilize chewing tobacco or drink a lot of coffee. A good gauge for this is to ask yourself if the tooth looks sick or only discolored.
A root canal is usually the logical response for a tooth that is too far gone in the infection process but removing an infected tooth calls for more specialized care. Endodontists specialize in treating the innermost tissues of the tooth– called the pulp of the tooth.
They can identify just how far the infection has spread and just how much of the tooth needs to be removed. When you need such a procedure done, it is important to entrust your safety to an expert in the field.
Try not to worry, "complex" does not necessarily mean "more painful." It also does not mean losing an entire tooth or that it will impair your recovery. It simply means that the procedure requires a higher level of expertise.
Every infection is different, and the amount of tissue that needs removal depends on how far the infection has spread.For example, if the infection has spread into the patient's jawbone, you can imagine how this could complicate the process.
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In short, if you think that your tooth may be infected, it is important to see a professional as soon as humanly possible. If you are seen quickly, the damage will most likely be minimal. On the other hand, if you choose to delay without seeking treatment, you risk losing a larger portion of tissue than necessary, and maybe even your jaw. Contact our endodontist to learn more about your options and how treatment can improve your overall oral health.
Request an appointment or call Saman Malkami DMD at 714-459-8002 for an appointment in our Fullerton office.
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