General Information
Teeth, just as any other part of your body, can become infected. The infection usually is caused by (1) a deep cavity entering the nerve of the tooth, or (2) traumatic injury to the tooth. The infection forms an abscess that will require examination and testing for accurate diagnosis. An abscessed tooth is nearly always evident with an x-ray. A tooth with an abscess need not necessarily be extracted, because a dental procedure commonly called root canal therapy will control the infection and allow healing. This treatment will save your tooth and avoid the harmful effects of tooth loss.
Root canal therapy is usually done in two or three appointments. The first step is to remove the nerve (pulpal tissue) from the small hollow tube (root canal) located down the center of the tooth. Then a strong medicine is usually sealed in the canal until the next appointment. At the next appointment your dentist will file and prepare the canal. Next the canal will be permanently filled and sealed. The abscessed area at the end of the root canal (under the gum) will start to heal slowly and may require several months for complete healing. Your dentist will want to check the healing process by comparing x-rays taken at a later date with the original x-rays.
Activities of daily living
There are no restrictions.
General Measures:
Diet
Eat a regular diet if you are able to do so without pain.
Medications
If an antibiotic is prescribed during treatment, you should take the medication exactly as directed on the prescription.
NOTIFY YOUR DENTIST IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:
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Swelling in the gum around the tooth being treated develops
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Temperature above 101 F develops
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The tooth feels as if it is “coming out of the socket.”
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The tooth becomes loose
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Pain develops which cannot be controlled by simple remedies such as aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen.