Root Canals and Extractions
A root canal in Bay Springs, MS, is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected center and root of your tooth (called the pulp).
Why Would Someone Need a Root Canal?
- Deep decay from a cavity.
- An infected chipped or cracked tooth.
- A tooth injury.
What Are the Signs of Needing a Root Canal?
If you are experiencing any of the following, you might need a root canal.
- Pain in your tooth that doesn’t go away.
- Swelling and inflammation of the gums around the affected tooth.
- Painful pressure when you eat or touch your tooth.
- An oozing puss-filled pocket on your gums.
- Your jaw is swollen.
- Your tooth is darkening.
- You have a loose tooth.
- You experience hot and/or cold tooth sensitivity.
The Root Canal Procedure Explained
Your dentist in Bay Springs, MS, will administer local anesthesia to the area. They will then drill a small access hole on the surface of your tooth. The dentist will remove the dead and diseased pulp from the inside of your tooth and root canal. The inside of your tooth will then be cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
Next, your dentist will fill the hole in your tooth with a rubber-like dental product. Your root canal will then be sealed using adhesive cement.
Lastly, your dentist will add a crown to the top of your tooth to seal and protect it (sometimes, a filling is used instead).
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves your dentist removing your tooth completely from its socket (the tooth and its roots). Most people know this as “pulling a tooth.”
What Are the Signs of Needing a Tooth Extraction?
If you are experiencing any of the following, you might need a tooth extraction.
- Pain and stiffness in your jawbone or gums.
- You have bad breath that won’t go away.
- You are experiencing extreme tooth pain.
- Your teeth are overcrowded.
- You have an impacted wisdom tooth.
- You have a periodontal infection.
The Risks and Benefits of Extracting a Tooth
Just like any other surgery, there are risks and benefits associated with a tooth extraction.
Risks:
- An infection after your surgery.
- You get dry socket.
- You experience a nerve injury.
- You experience a perforation of the maxillary sinus.
These risks are rare, but they do happen from time to time.
Benefits:
- It removes harmful bacteria and keeps it from spreading to the rest of your body.
- It keeps the bacteria from damaging your other teeth and gums.
- It restores your oral health.
- It will get rid of your oral pain immediately.
It’s important to remember that if you don’t want the space left from your extracted tooth to result in additional dental problems like shifting teeth or a sunken face, replace that missing tooth as soon as possible with a suitable tooth replacement option.
Contact a Reputable Dentist in Bay Springs, MS
If you are experiencing problems with your teeth or just want to have them checked, please Contact McLaurin Dental Clinic today to schedule an exam. We will assess your oral health and give you a customized treatment plan that will get your oral health back on track.
