Do you find your teeth sensitive to hot and cold foods or drinks? Maybe your gums often feel sore and bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Your teeth may be at risk for infection.
Millions of Americans get root canal procedures each year because of decayed and infected teeth. Tooth decay spreads to the inside of the tooth, infecting the pulp inside. During a root canal, the pulp must be extracted and cleaned to stop the infection.
Causes of Infected Teeth
Teeth can become infected in a variety of ways:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Cracked teeth or dental fillings
- Gum infection
- Diets high in sugar
These risk factors act as agents tooth decay. If any of these risk factors apply to you, ensure that you get regular dental cleanings and brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
Symptoms
There are some tell-tale signs that your teeth are infected and need a root canal procedure:
- Toothaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Sensitivity to chewing or biting
- Tooth darkening
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gum soreness
- Gum swelling
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, contact Sudbury Dental Arts to schedule an appointment immediately.
The Root Canal Procedure
Dr. Joseph Cheung & Associates at Sudbury Dental Arts provide their patients with a root canal option that cleans and renews teeth. During the procedure, infected pulp found within the tooth is drained and cleaned. The tooth is then filled with gutta-percha, a resilient plastic that replaces the infected tooth pulp. Finally, a cosmetic dental filling seals the tooth.
Root canals protect the structural integrity of teeth and prevent teeth from being pulled. Removing infection improves the oral health of patients and stops further medical problems from arising.
Pros of Root Canals
The root canal procedure is a great option for patients that stops infection from spreading. Root canals:
- Save natural teeth
- Protect teeth from further damage
- Remove infection at the source
Schedule an Appointment
If you have noticed that you suffer from gum soreness or toothaches, call Sudbury Dental Arts at (978) 218-2580 or schedule an appointment with us online here. Take control of your oral health and treat infection at the source.
