Inside tooth roots are the pulp and nerve roots that nourish the tooth. When decay or bacteria invade the interior of the tooth, it can cause infection or abscesses that destroy the living tissue in the tooth. Root canal therapy is a complex general dentistry treatment that can save an infected tooth by removing the infected pulp and nerve roots. Our dental experts at Restore Dental offer root canal therapy for infected teeth at our dental center in Highlands Ranch.

Infected teeth can be caused by a few different factors. Decay can eat through the enamel and dentin of the tooth, allowing bacteria to infect the pulp. A cracked or broken tooth can expose the inner tooth to infection. Whatever the cause, an infected or abscessed tooth can be very painful – inflammation caused by the infection can press on the nerves of the tooth. The only effective treatments to stop the spread of the infections are a root canal or removing the tooth by extraction.

Root Canals Offer Pain Relief for Infected Teeth

Root canals have earned an undeserved reputation for tooth pain. In truth, root canal therapy is effective at stopping tooth pain caused by infection, not causing it. During a root canal, the tooth is opened, and the infected pulp and nerves in the canals are removed. Once the nerves are gone, the tooth no longer signals pain. The root canals are then disinfected and repacked with a sterile material to protect the interior of the tooth. Once the tooth is resealed, a dental crown is usually added to protect the weakened tooth structure.

If you have a painful infected tooth, root canal therapy is usually the best treatment option. Contact us at Restore Dental in Highlands Ranch to schedule an exam to determine if a root canal can relieve your tooth pain and save your tooth.