“Dead tooth” is a term that might strike fear in your mind and it can be a pretty serious situation. Fortunately, a dead tooth does not necessarily mean you will need an extraction. Today, we have many more options to save a diseased or dead tooth.
A dead tooth is a tooth in which the nerve is dead or dying. The nerve gives your tooth life and in the process of infection can make it feel quite painful. In some cases, the nerve may die without the signature pain of an infection. Infection causes inflammation, which creates pressure; this is what causes pain, especially when near the tender nerve from a tooth.
Treating Tooth Decay
Fortunately, we offer root canals in our St. Paul dentist office to save a dying tooth. Our dentists take patient comfort seriously, using an advanced form of anesthetic that works better for most people. Not only does the anesthetic take the differences of patients’ chemistry into account, but Drs. John Grittner and Jadilyn Nguyen Grittner also use a prescription-strength topical anesthetic before any injections. Most patients report little or no discomfort. Pain-free dentistry is possible!
A root canal removes the painful nerve from the tooth. We can still leave the tooth in place, which is great because replacing a missing tooth is always more complex and expensive than simply saving the ones you have.
Here are the benefits of root canal therapy:
- Avoid an extraction
- Add years to the life of your tooth
- Prevent bone loss
- Avoid the need for a dental implant or bridge
- Feel better beginning immediately after treatment
Once you have root canal treatment, you might still experience some minor sensitivity that lasts a few days.
Since your tooth has no nerve or blood supply, it can become quite brittle. We often suggest a dental crown to protect it. Following through with all aspects of treatment can add years, even decades, to the life of your tooth.
For a St. Paul dentist who specializes in pain-free dentistry, give Highgrove Dental Care a call.