05
Nov
FAQs about treating infected teeth
Teeth that have pain or swelling are sensitive to cold or heat, or have discoloration can be signs of a root canal infection. Our specialists at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio are experts at diagnosing, treating, and managing painful, infected, and traumatized teeth. Dentists from across Texas and even other parts of the country trust their patients to our endodontists, Dr. Rick Schwartz, Dr. Rick Davis, and Dr. Zac Liang. Many of those dentists and their families are also our patients. We provide continuing education for dentists and other specialists and serve as remote consultants to dentists from all over the world.
What causes an infection?
Inside each tooth is the dental pulp, which is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It supports the growth and development of your teeth and is why they can feel certain sensations, such as hot and cold. The pulp is surrounded and protected by dentin and enamel. The protective enamel covering is the hardest tissue in your body but is not impervious to tooth decay, which can penetrate enamel and dentin. If decay reaches the pulp, it can cause pain and infection. Additionally, trauma to the tooth can result in fractures or cracks that expose the pulp, causing pain and potential tooth loss.
How do you treat an infection?
The first option is usually root canal treatment. This procedure involves removing any decay and the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to protect it from future decay and infection. In most cases, a permanent filling will be placed, and in many cases, a crown will also be recommended by your regular dentist. Root canal treatment is only performed after the tooth is completely numb so it is not painful.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (210) 405-0473 | Existing Patients: (210) 497-6699
Does infection always cause pain?
Many infected teeth have a “silent” infection. This means patients do not notice changes in how their teeth feel, function, or look. The infection is only detected after it shows up on an x-ray. Do not assume that your teeth are healthy just because they look and feel “fine.”
Why should I choose Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio?
Some general dentists perform root canal procedures. However, many of them refer their more complex or challenging cases to us. Root canal treatment is the primary procedure performed by endodontists. An average endodontist performs between 800 and 1,000 root canal treatments each year. We have an array of advanced on-site technologies to assist in the procedures. Modern treatments have never been faster, more effective, or more gentle. We welcome your specific questions. Call our office in San Antonio, TX, at (210) 405-0473 today.
Dr. Richard Davis, DDS
Richard D. Davis, DDS, graduated from high school in Japan, attended the University of Washington dental school, and joined the Air Force as a general dentist in 1978. He completed the Air Force one-year AEGD residency, a two-year Advanced General Dentistry Residency, and a fellowship in biomaterials at the University of Indiana. Dr. Davis was a clinical instructor, research director, and lecturer at the Air Force. He has published many scientific articles and research papers, and has lectured on many topics. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1999, he completed the graduate program in endodontics at the University of Oregon in 2001, and joined Dr. Schwartz and has been in private practice in endodontics since then.
Dr. Richard Schwartz, DDS
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Richard S. Schwartz, DDS, graduated from the University of Minnesota dental school in 1977. He was a restorative dentist for 19 years: Early in his career, he attended a two-year general dentistry residency while in the US Air Force, and then did a combination of private practice, teaching, and dental materials research before entering endodontic post-graduate training in 1996. He has authored over 100 articles and abstracts in scientific journals and lectured extensively in the US and in 21 other countries, including 12 times at the American Association of Endodontists’ national meeting. Since 1998 Dr. Schwartz has been in full-time private practice in endodontics in San Antonio, TX, and has practiced with Dr. Davis since 2001. He was a founding member and first secretary/treasurer of the International Association of Endodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and International Association of Dental Specialists.
Dr. Zhangrui Liang, DDS, MS
Dr. Zhangrui “Zac” Liang, DDS, MS, grew up in China and has been in the US since 2015. He attended dental school in China and did his endodontic training at UCLA, where he also received a Masters of Science degree. He has practiced with Dr. Davis and Dr. Schwartz since 2022.