If your tooth is significantly decayed or becomes damaged through accidental injury, bacteria can penetrate to the soft tissues at the centre of the tooth. This tissue houses all your tooth’s blood vessels and nerve endings.

What are the symptoms of an infected tooth?

An infected tooth can be very uncomfortable. You may experience a persistent toothache and heightened sensitivity to hot and cold.

Over time, the nerve of the tooth will begin to die. When this happens, the tooth may begin to turn grey and get progressively darker in colour. However, an infected tooth can be completely asymptomatic and may only be identified on a routine x-ray.

What is involved in root canal treatment?

Under a local anaesthetic, your dentist will make an opening in the tooth to access the root canal. They will then remove the infected tissue and fill the root canal with an antibacterial sealant material.

Once the infection is removed, they will rebuild the tooth, either with a filling or, if the damage is more significant, by fitting a dental crown.

What happens if an infected tooth is left untreated?

To prevent the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and tissue the infected tooth is extracted.

To schedule a FREE consultation, please call Etwall Dental Practice on 01283 733391.