Tooth infections can happen to anyone. If not treated promptly, an infection can cause irreparable damage to your tooth, prompting the need for extraction. Through root canal therapy, Dr. David Cannon can treat your infected tooth, restore its usefulness, and keep the infection from spreading to healthy teeth. If you suspect a tooth infection, contact Cannon Dental Dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah, to determine if you need root canal treatment.
The Danger of Tooth Infections
Decay is one of the major causes of tooth infections. If left untreated, the infection will spread to the inner chamber of your tooth, destroying the pulp, tooth nerves, and roots. If the infection irreparably damages your tooth, it must be pulled. An untreated infection will also spread to healthy teeth, putting them at risk of damage. If the infection enters your bloodstream, it could cause sepsis or increase your risk of stroke or heart disease.
Root Canal Treatment
To save an infected tooth, Dr. Cannon may recommend root canal treatment. This entails drilling a hole in your infected tooth and removing the diseased pulp and tissues. We’ll then cleanse and disinfect the tooth interior and canals to stop the infection from spreading. Afterward, your tooth will be sealed with a rubbery substance called gutta percha to protect it against further infection. Lastly, Dr. Cannon will cap your tooth with a crown to fortify its structure so it can be used.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
Pain is generally the first symptom of a tooth infection, especially when you chew. Other symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks
- Gum inflammation and tenderness
- Sores on your gums around the infected tooth
- Tooth or gum discoloration
- Abscessed tooth
Root Canal Dentist Near Me in Salt Lake City, Utah
At the first sign of a tooth infection, contact Dr. David Cannon of Cannon Dental Dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah, at (801) 406-9985 to diagnose your condition. The sooner a tooth infection is treated, the sooner you can get pain relief. Prompt root canal treatment can also save your tooth!