Tooth pain may indicate a more significant issue than just a simple discomfort. A tooth infection can occur quietly and rapidly and cause irreversible damage not just to your tooth but to your overall health. You have options to stop the pain and keep your tooth; endodontic treatment in NW Calgary is key to doing so.
Let’s explain what a tooth infection means, the signs of it occurring, and how endodontic care can help you feel better and preserve your dental health.
What is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection (also called an abscess) occurs when bacteria have entered the tooth (usually through a crack, deep cavity, trauma, or even some dental treatment) and have accessed the inner pulp (the part of the tooth that supplies blood and nerves). An untreated infection will spread to adjacent teeth, gum tissue, and/or even the jawbone, which makes immediate care imperative to avoid major complications.
What Are the Signs of a Tooth Infection?
There will not be uniform signs of tooth infection; for some, there will be no signs. A few strong signs of a tooth infection should never go unnoticed:
- Became unbearable tooth pain.
- Swelling could take place on your face, cheek, or jaw.
- Redness or swelling in the gums (surrounding the infected tooth).
- Pus or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Fever or a feeling of general unwellness.
- Sensitivity of the tooth to hot, cold or pressure.
If you experience any of these, you should see a dentist in NW Calgary regardless of whether you are in dental pain. The sooner that you receive care, the better your recovery and the less chance for complications, and you protect your overall health and well-being.
How Can Endodontic Treatment Help?
When a tooth infection has been detected, endodontic treatment, also known as root canal therapy, is recommended. This procedure entails extracting the infected pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing the residual area to prevent the infection from returning. We know that many people cringe when they hear “root canal”; this is a safe procedure, and there are many reasons (including the fact that it is an important option for preserving natural teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted).
The following explains the process step-by-step:
| Step | What Happens |
| 1. Exam & X-Ray | Your dentist checks the tooth and takes an X-ray to see the damage. |
| 2. Numbing | The purpose of the local anesthetic is to keep you comfortable. |
| 3. Cleaning | The infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned. |
| 4. Filling | The space is sealed with a special material to stop bacteria. |
| 5. Restoration | The tooth’s strength is restored with a crown or filling. |
What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?
There are many benefits of root canal therapy, especially when compared to tooth extraction or leaving the problem untreated. Some of the key benefits include:
- Pain relief – The infection is removed, easing your discomfort
- Tooth preservation – You keep your natural tooth instead of removing it.
- Better chewing and function – You can eat and speak normally
- Improved appearance—A crown helps restore the look of your smile
- Preventing spread – Stops infection from reaching other areas.
Most importantly, root canal treatment gives your tooth a second chance, letting you avoid more serious dental work down the road.
What Happens After Endodontic Treatment?
Once your root canal is complete, you’ll likely need a follow-up visit to place a crown or other restoration. This helps strengthen the tooth and protect it from future damage. Be sure to maintain regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups to keep your teeth healthy and avoid new infections.
Ready for Relief? Choose Kensington Dental Choice
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or suspect a possible infection, don’t wait. The friendly and caring team at Kensington Dental Choice is here to help you get back to feeling like yourself again. We offer comfortable and reliable endodontic care to treat infections and restore your smile.
Whether you’re looking for advice, an exam, or treatment, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile by giving us a call to schedule your appointment.
