Infected Tooth? Save It from Extraction with Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is often recommended when the pulp of your tooth is severely damaged by infection or decay. Removing the diseased pulp eliminates the infection while still keeping your tooth structure intact. Root canal therapy also prevents the infection from spreading to nearby teeth and destroying their health.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may need root canal treatment: 

• A severe toothache or pain when you chew
• Gum inflammation or tenderness around a certain tooth
• Tooth discoloration 
• A pimple on the gum tissues around a tooth
• Prolonged tooth sensitivity

A dental checkup can confirm the cause of these symptoms so you can get the appropriate treatment.

Contrary to what people think, root canal treatment is not painful. It actually relieves pain by getting rid of the infection. Dr. Wilson will numb the afflicted area, drill into your tooth to reach the pulp, and remove it. We’ll then cleanse your tooth and its canals of any remaining infection and seal your tooth with gutta percha material to prevent future infection. Lastly, we’ll crown your tooth to reinforce its weak structure and add an extra layer of protection against decay.

Pulp infections can only be treated with endodontic therapy. The alternative would be to have your tooth removed. Dr. Wilson and our team are proponents of saving natural teeth, whenever possible, to preserve your smile and oral health. We encourage our patients to consider root canal therapy over the alternative of having a natural tooth removed.

Of the millions of root canals performed in the U.S. annually, 95% are deemed successful in saving permanent teeth from extraction. This makes root canal treatment a worthy investment in preserving your smile.

If you live in Covington, GA, or surrounding communities, you can come to Covington Family Dentistry for endodontic therapy. To schedule a consultation for root canal treatment, contact Dr. Doreen Wilson at (770) 787-2230.