Teeth are made up of layers; the outer is called enamel and the innermost is called the pulp. When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, there are only a few options to treat the problem. Some may chose to have the whole tooth extracted while others may opt for root canal therapy.

Root canals are narrow chambers that anchor the tooth into your gums. When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected by either a deep cavity or fracture, it spreads into the root canal and into the root tips. When this happens, and treatment is delayed, the pus from the infection will gather at the root canal tip and eventually pass into the jawbone. Once the infection sets into the jawbone, the pus sac, or abscess, will damage the bone that surrounds the tooth. And as a result, the pressure inside the bone and ligaments can cause excruciating pain. If treatment is delayed even further, the problem can become life threatening.

Before the problem gets to that point, you should consult a dentist. Tell tale signs that you’re experiencing a root canal infection include sensitivity to hot and cold, swollen and painful gums surrounding the tooth, or a bad taste in your mouth. Sometimes, you may have no symptoms at all, which is an important reason to have regular dentist checkups.

Those living in the Flint area may want to check into Gateway Dental, where Dr. Bobby Grossi specializes in root canal treatments & a variety of other dentistry procedures. At Gateway Dental, saving your tooth from extraction is extremely important. Treating an infection with root canal therapy can prevent the loss of a tooth while also preventing the spread of infection. Root canal therapy can take one to two visits to the dentist and pricing can vary with each situation.

Maintaining the health of your mouth can be the most beneficial care you can do for your self. Experience the difference of a healthier smile and mouth by calling Gateway Dental.