Do you have a persistent toothache? We know that this type of pain can be difficult to ignore, but it isn’t the only sign of an infected tooth. Gum swelling, sensitivity and difficulty chewing can also indicate a problem inside your tooth that requires a professional assessment.
Here at the Root Canal Centre in Richmond, specialist endodontist Dr Nicolai Orsteen diagnoses and treats infections—no matter the complexity—to help patients relieve discomfort and save their natural teeth from extraction. Keep reading to learn more.
What Actually Causes Dental Infections?
Inside your tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If you have a cavity or a crack from a dental injury, bacteria can reach the pulp and root canal system inside the tooth. Once this becomes inflamed or infected, an endodontist must remove the affected tissue, clean the inside of the tooth, and cap it to protect it from further infection.
What Happens During A Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is designed to save an infected tooth from extraction. During the procedure, Dr Osteen will remove the affected tissue from inside the tooth before cleaning, shaping and sealing the canals. Our highly specialised equipment allows for a minimally invasive procedure and exceptional precision.
Most root canals take around 60-90 minutes and many will be completed in just one visit. If your tooth requires additional care, we will explain each step before treatment continues.
What Are The Symptoms Of An Infected Tooth?
Symptoms can vary depending on which tooth is affected and the extent of the problem; however, possible signs include:
- Persistent or severe toothache
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tenderness and/or swelling around the tooth
- Discolouration and/or darkening of the tooth
- A persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth
Remember, not every infected tooth will cause continuous pain. In fact, in some cases, symptoms might temporarily settle even though the underlying problem still remains. The only way to be sure is to have a proper examination with your local London-based endodontist who can determine what is happening inside the tooth.
Does An Infected Tooth Always Require Root Canal Treatment?
Not necessarily. During your consultation, Dr Orsteen will examine the affected tooth, discuss your symptoms and use digital imaging to find the source of the problem. If your dental pulp is irreversibly infected, root canal treatment may be the best option to relieve your pain and save your tooth.
Luckily, the Root Canal Centre in Richmond offers gentle, pain-free treatment for infected teeth and has a five-star reputation for keeping our patients smiling.
Think you may have an infected tooth? Book an appointment with the endodontic specialists at the Root Canal Dental Referral Centre, London. Phone 020 8050 0351.
