Will a Root Canal Treat an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a painful and potentially serious dental issue that occurs when an infection develops at the root of a tooth. This infection can cause significant pain, swelling, and discomfort. An abscessed tooth can lead to more severe health problems if left untreated.

At Bay City Dental Center, Dr. Matthew Ward can help patients near Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland, MI find relief from an abscessed tooth. One way he does this is through a root canal.

Keep reading to find out how a root canal can treat an abscessed tooth.

How does a root canal work?

A root canal is a dental procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels that help keep the tooth alive.

When a tooth becomes abscessed, the pulp becomes infected and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Dr. Ward can then perform a root canal to remove the infected or damaged pulp and clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth.

During the procedure, Dr. Ward will access the inside of the tooth by removing the top or crown. Once the tooth is clean, he will fill the inside with a material called gutta-percha and place a temporary or long-term filling on top of the tooth.

What is the benefit of getting a root canal for an abscessed tooth?

The most significant benefit of getting a root canal for an abscessed tooth is that it will help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the infection. A root canal can also help prevent the spread of the infection.

In some cases, an abscessed tooth may need to be extracted. Getting a root canal at Bay City Dental Center can allow you to preserve the tooth and maintain your natural smile and bite.

It is important to note that a root canal is not a one-time solution for an abscessed tooth. After a root canal, the tooth may still be vulnerable to further infection or damage. That's why it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and to see Dr. Ward regularly to monitor the health of the tooth. A crown or other restorative treatment may sometimes be necessary to protect the tooth further and prevent future problems.

Is a root canal painful?

Root canals are not considered painful, but people do tend to put them off. Fortunately, most individuals just feel the initial pinch when the anesthetic is injected, but afterward, the mouth is numb for the procedure.

If anything, patients can be in significantly less pain after a root canal because an abscessed tooth can be pretty painful. A root canal will help alleviate this pain, and the procedure will likely only take 30 minutes to an hour.

Treat an abscessed tooth with a root canal in Bay City, MI

If you're suffering from an abscessed tooth, you're likely in a lot of pain and concerned that the infection could spread. The good news is that Dr. Matthew Ward at Bay City Dental Center can help.

If you live in Bay City, MI, or the surrounding areas of Saginaw or Midland, MI, make an appointment with Dr. Ward today.