.png)
restore infected teeth
root canals in point Loma
If you have a painful toothache that won’t go away or is getting worse after a day or two, your tooth may be infected, and you need to make sure that you get professional treatment from a dentist like Dr. Ajay Amin at Lighthouse Dental. If your tooth is infected, getting immediate care will help you avoid further pain and discomfort, and will protect your smile and your bite. Learn more below, or contact us for an appointment.
.jpg)
why would I need
A root Canal?
A root canal is required when your tooth has become infected. Teeth usually become infected due to large, untreated cavities, but oral trauma like a cracked tooth can also lead to an infection. If the hard, outer layers of your tooth are damaged or destroyed, the vulnerable “pulp” that keeps your tooth alive may become exposed to oral bacteria.
If this happens, the pulp will become infected, causing pain and discomfort. If it’s left untreated, the pulp will eventually die, and you may end up losing your tooth. A root canal is used to prevent this.
In a root canal, Dr. Ajay Amin will create an opening in the tooth. Then, he can clean away all of the decayed and damaged material, disinfect the tooth, and seal it to protect it from further decay and damage. This saves your tooth and preserves your oral health.
what are the sIgNs
of an infected tooth?
Not sure if your tooth is infected? The most common sign of a tooth infection is a toothache that persists or gets worse after 1-2 days. If your tooth hurts, there’s definitely something wrong, and you should see a dentist right away.
You may also notice discoloration of the gums around the tooth, or the tooth may start to look gray and discolored. Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing and to hot and cold foods/drinks is also a common symptom of a deep cavity or an infected tooth.
If you notice one or more of these problems, don’t wait. Contact the team at Lighthouse Dental now to get a consultation with Dr. Amin. There could be something seriously wrong with your tooth, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your oral health.
what Can i expect
From the root canal process?
The root canal process may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple to understand, and the procedure is totally pain-free at Lighthouse Dental.
To begin, Dr. Amin will clean and numb your mouth, and remove damaged enamel using a dental drill. Then, he will create an opening in the top of your tooth.
Through this opening, Dr. Amin will examine the inside of your tooth and remove damaged and decayed pulp from the inside of your tooth. Then, the tooth will be flushed with disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria, and filled with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha,” which replaces the missing pulp and strengthens the tooth.
Finally, your tooth will be restored. Fillings are sometimes used, but a crown is usually preferred. You will get a temporary crown to cover up your tooth, and you will need to come back for another appointment to have a permanent dental crown fitted.