If someone said you needed a root canal, what words would come to mind?

Painful? Scary? Anxiety?

That’s is the perception of root canal treatments, but the reality is much different. That’s especially true a high-tech practice like Davenport Dental Group. Your tooth infection can be treated painlessly and without fear or worry.

To learn more, call either of our Laredo, TX location — Junction Drive at 956-242-6745 or Winfield at 956-517-2695.

Signs of a Tooth Infection

Root canal procedures are often the best way to deal with an infected tooth. Look for these symptoms if you suspect that you may have this kind of infection:

  • Discoloration is often one of the first signs of trouble
  • Increased sensitivity to hot and cold (food and drinks)
  • A toothache, which may linger and become more intense over time
  • A pimple on your gums near
  • Swelling or tenderness of your gums

If you are having any of these symptoms, please contact us soon, so we can evaluate your situation. You may be able to avoid a root canal if you deal with the problem in the earliest stages.

How Teeth Become Infected

At a clinical level, tooth infections are caused by bacteria. To be more specific, they are the result of bacteria-infected pulp, which is a soft connective tissue found in the center of teeth (in the appropriately-named pulp chamber).

You also will find nerves and blood vessels in the pulp chamber. They enter the teeth through the root canals (which are openings in the roots of your teeth).

Bacteria can reach the pulp chamber through:

  • Untreated tooth decay
  • Gum disease (which allows bacteria to attack teeth at the roots)
  • Broken or cracked teeth that are not repaired

Getting Rid Of The Infection

To remove the infection, you need to remove the pulp, blood vessels, and nerves from the affected tooth. To do that, we need to create an opening in your tooth. And that may be why many people are fearful of this procedure.

Years ago, this wasn’t handled as carefully as it could have or should have been. Today, we have implemented advanced practices to keep you comfortable and as pain-free as possible throughout the process.

Specifically, you can take advantage of our sedation dentistry. Along with local anesthetic, sedation can keep you from feeling any pain during this and many other treatments. Nitrous oxide (a.k.a. laughing gas) takes effect quickly. In addition to blocking you from feeling pain, it also can induce a euphoric state, so you don’t feel anxious about what’s happening.

When we know your anesthetic and/or sedation have taken effect, we remove the infected tissue. Then we fill the tooth with a rubbery material, which reduces your risk of reinfection.

Lastly, we cap your tooth with a crown to restore its appearance and function.

Feel Better Again

A tooth infection can disrupt your life in ways that are hard to understand unless you have experienced it. Don’t live in pain. Visit Davenport Dental Group at the first sign of a problem. Call 956-242-6745 (Junction Drive) or 956-517-2695 (Winfield) or fill out our online form to request an appointment.