Dental infections can be painful and even debilitating, and they often require immediate treatment in order to help prevent extensive tooth damage.  Root canal therapy for your dental infection may be a safe and effective solution to eliminate the infection and relieve your pain. Not only does the root canal procedure help eliminate the pain caused by tooth infections but it also can help save your tooth from extraction. Here are some things to understand about root canals and how they can help treat your dental infection. 

Understanding Root Canal Procedures

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is performed to help treat tooth infections that have invaded your dental pulp. The dental pulp is comprised of nerves, tiny blood vessels, and soft tissue, and when it gets infected or otherwise damaged, it can lead to severe pain, difficulty chewing, drainage of pus, and the risk of tooth loss.

During a root canal procedure, your family dentist or endodontist, who is a dentist that specializes in root canals, removes the infected material in the pulp, disinfects the inside of your tooth, and then seals the space with a special plastic material. Before your procedure, your dentist will perform an examination and take X-rays to evaluate the extent of your infection. Before your procedure begins, you will be given a local anesthetic to help ensure that you remain pain-free during your root canal. 

Benefits Of Treatment And Aftercare

In addition to relieving both the infection and pain, a root canal can help prevent your tooth infection from spreading to other parts of your body including your other teeth and your jawbone. The spread of infection can also cause systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle pain. In addition, by saving your tooth, you will be less likely to develop chewing problems and misalignment of your other teeth. 

After your procedure, your dentist will give you an aftercare instruction sheet to help make sure that you heal properly. Your dentist may also prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to help treat any mild discomfort you may experience or residual pulp infection. Rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash may also help promote the healing process and lower the risk of your infection coming back.

If you develop a tooth infection, see your dentist right away. With early diagnosis and root canal treatment, your dentist may be more likely to save your tooth, which will help preserve both your oral health and your general state of health.