When a tooth is severely injured or decayed, the damage may reach past the protective enamel layer and into the inner parts of the tooth. The inside of the tooth contains the dental pulp, blood vessels, tooth nerves, and other tissues. When this area is affected by decay or damage, it may become seriously infected. Tooth infection often causes intense tooth pain, extreme tooth sensitivity, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums and a darkening of the tooth. You may also notice a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums. If an infected tooth goes untreated, it may die and need to be extracted. In order to prevent this, our dentist may recommend a treatment known as root canal therapy.
During root canal therapy, Dr. Wendy Britt gently opens the tooth, removes all of the infected tissues, and thoroughly cleans the tooth. This includes reshaping the root canal system. We then fill the tooth with a medicated material and seal the tooth with a restoration, such as a dental crown. In most cases, we can complete a root canal treatment in Laurinburg, North Carolina, in only one or two visits to our office. If you suffer from the signs of tooth infection, we urge you to contact our dental office today at 910-276-4550. Our dentist and dental team are dedicated to helping you achieve a smile that is healthy and free from pain.