Treating an Abscessed Tooth with Root Canal Therapy

Severely damaged or decayed teeth can lead to a painful tooth infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the tooth root, nerves, and surrounding gum and bone tissue. Root canal therapy can eliminate the infection and save the tooth, gums, and jaw bone from further damage.

At Brooklyn Heights Dental, we prioritize minimally-invasive treatments that save the structural integrity of damaged teeth. That’s why we provide tooth-saving root canal treatment for patients living in Brooklyn Heights, NY, and the surrounding areas, including Brooklyn and Fort Greene.

An abscessed tooth, or infected tooth, is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. Here, our dentists explain why root canal therapy for an abscessed tooth is necessary, what to expect from the procedure, and how to prevent tooth infections in the future.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure in which our highly-skilled dental team removes the infection inside an affected tooth. By removing the infection, we can prevent the infection from spreading to the blood, which is a life-threatening condition.

Root canal therapy is an extremely successful procedure, with nearly 95% of root canal treatments resulting in long-term success. Ultimately, this procedure preserves the tooth and eliminates the need for a tooth extraction.

How Do I Know if I Have an Abscessed Tooth?

Typically, an abscessed tooth will be extremely painful to the touch and extraordinarily sensitive to temperature changes. Abscessed teeth may also present with a noticeable bump on the gums. This bump contains infected material that must be drained by a trained professional.

A qualified dentist can confirm the presence and extent of a tooth infection by conducting a simple exam, complete with x-rays and CT scans. If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, then contact our office immediately.

What Can I Expect from Root Canal Therapy?

The horror stories of yesteryear no longer apply to root canals. Our talented dentists guarantee patients’ comfort by using local anesthesia to thoroughly numb the area. We also offer sedation options to further promote relaxation and comfort during the procedure.

Once patients are completely numb and relaxed, our team will make a small opening in the top of the tooth to remove the infection. After removing the infection, our dentists fill in the space left behind with a rubber-like material known as gutta percha. The gutta percha acts as a stabilizing agent to support the internal structure of the tooth.

To protect the exterior of the tooth from further damage, our team places a quality dental crown on top of the affected tooth. We can design and create the dental crown in-office, which means that patients can receive complete treatment in a single appointment.

How Can I Prevent Tooth Infections?

Routine dental checkups and cleanings combined with good oral hygiene practices, such as twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing, can help prevent future tooth infections. Furthermore, patients should limit their intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages to prevent enamel erosion, dental decay, and abscesses. 

Ask Us if Root Canal Therapy Is Right for You

If you think that you might have an abscessed tooth, then don’t delay–contact the team at Brooklyn Heights Dental now. A root canal can save your tooth and prevent severe health and dental issues.

New and existing patients can message our team, or they may call our Brooklyn office at (718) 857-6639.