Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 19 January 2022

The ideal situation is to take good care of your teeth so you never get cavities or a tooth infection. However, if you do get an infected tooth, a root canal can relieve your pain and heal the infection. Here's what you need to know when you go to the dentist with an infected tooth.

X-Rays May Be The First Step

Your dentist may need to get an x-ray of your tooth to visualize the cavity and extent of the infection. This helps the dentist understand your case and plan how to treat you. You'll also receive a visual oral examination so the dentist can assess your overall dental health.

Medications May Be Prescribed

Your dentist might prescribe an antibiotic to kill the infection and put off the dental work until later. By reducing the infection, the anesthetic used during the root canal treatment might be more effective. The dentist might also prescribe a limited number of pain relievers. The medications can go to work immediately to help with pain while you wait for your root canal appointment.

It's important to remember that antibiotics are not a permanent cure for your infected tooth. You'll need to return to your dentist and have the tooth crack or cavity filled or the infection will return.

You Might Try Sedation Dentistry

If you're anxious about having a root canal done, talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry if they provide it. You'll be given an anesthetic injection, so once the anesthetic takes effect, you won't feel pain during your root canal. However, if you fear going to the dentist, the dentist might offer nitrous oxide or sedatives to make it easier for you to endure the procedure.

Your Root Canal Might Be Topped With A Crown

Sometimes a dentist can fill in the cavity or crack that led to the tooth infection. However, it's common for a root canal to need a crown. If you'll need a crown, your dentist will explain your choices in crown material so you can have one made. A permanent crown is made in a dental lab, and that takes time unless your dentist has the crown-making equipment in their office.

If you can't get a permanent crown right away, your dentist will put a temporary one on. It will last for a while, but it's important to keep your last appointment where the permanent crown will be put on. The permanent crown is stronger, more secure, and more natural looking, so you'll want to replace the temporary crown as soon as possible.