Frequently Asked Questions About Infected Teeth, Treatment Options

Teeth can become infected and  root canal treatment may be necessary due to tooth decay, deep fillings,  faulty  crowns, or cracks.  Our specialists at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Rick Davis and Dr. Rick Schwartz, have advanced training to diagnose and treat infected teeth.

Why Is Root Canal Treatment Recommended? 

We help patients from south and central Texas (and beyond) preserve their teeth rather than have them extracted.  Root canal treatment  resolves the underlying cause of painful symptoms: infection or inflammation of the pulp. In doing so, we restore the structure, health, function, and appearance of the tooth. 

How Does the Pulp Become Damaged? 

The dental pulp contains nerves, vessels, and other soft tissues. In healthy teeth, the pulp is protected by dentin and enamel. The pulp nourishes developing teeth and is the reason your teeth can feel hot and cold foods or drinks. Any time the protective dentin and enamel layers are damaged, the health of the pulp may be compromised. Deep decay can lead to pulpal  inflammation or infection. Leaky crowns and cracks in the teeth  also increase the risk of pulpal damage.

What Are the Symptoms of An Infected Tooth?

Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms caused by  a root canal infection.  Temperature sensitivity is also a common symptom.  Pain may be experienced when chewing and sometimes occurs spontaneously.  It might even wake you up in the middle of the night.  Temperature sensitivity that lingers after contact with hot  or cold suggests a possible problem.  Without prompt treatment, the surrounding bone and tissue can become infected (abscessed). Abscesses are associated with persistent pain and pressure which may result in swelling of the gums or face.  Specialty treatment prevents the spread of the infection to other parts of the face, neck, and body. It also provides relief from pain and resolution of swelling. 

How Does Root Canal Therapy Treat the Infection? 

Our specialists, Dr. Rick Davis and Dr. Rick Schwartz remove the nerves and infection from the tooth, flush it out and then seal the tooth to protect and strengthen it, and prevent reinfection. 

Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio welcome your questions about tooth pain, dental damage, and treatment options. Call us at (210) 405-0473. 

We are privileged to support the oral health and well-being of individuals from Boerne, Eagle Pass, Spring Branch, Laredo, Kerrville, Del Rio, Fredericksburg, Texas, and beyond. 

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