Tooth Abscess Treatment

A tooth abscess is an infection in or around the root of the tooth which may or may not be painful. It occurs when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal dies, becomes inflamed and goes untreated. The most common symptom of a tooth abscess is a feeling of ache in the bone around the tooth, but you may also experience pain when chewing, or notice swelling of the gums. If you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, give our doctors at Vista Dental a call to treat the problem.

Dental abscesses may range from mild to severe. If the abscess has spread to a superficial area, there is typically tenderness to the touch of the infected area. Most abscesses are painful, so people usually seek treatment immediately. If the infection is not treated, it can damage the surrounding bone and teeth. Daily brushing and flossing along with regular dental checkups can prevent tooth decay and a dental abscess.

If you have questions or concerns about a tooth abscess, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077. 

Apicoectomy

The doctors at Vista Dental perform many root canals to save and repair teeth that are badly damaged or infected.  During a root canal, we remove any inflamed or infected tissue, and thoroughly clean the root canal system.  In most root canal cases, the tooth heals and doesn’t require further treatment. When an infection won’t go away or the canals become re-infected, our doctors can perform an apicoectomy.

An apicoectomy is performed to remove damaged tissue and seal a tooth’s root from any further infections.  The procedure involves a small incision in the gums, followed by removal of any infected tissue and finally the end of the root tip itself.  A root-end filling is placed there to act as a seal, preventing reinfection. The gum is sutured, and most patients only feel slight discomfort or swelling during healing.  If you have a tooth infection lingering after a root canal gone wrong, please contact us to discuss your treatment options.

To learn more about the apicoectomy procedure and all the services we offer, visit VistaDentalMH.Ca for more information. To schedule an appointment at Vista Dental, located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.

Endodontics: Root Canal

Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals specifically with the tooth pulp that surrounds the root of the tooth. The pulp is a soft substance in the center of the tooth that is the nucleus of the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected, it will need to be removed; this is when a root canal is recommended. Allow our doctors at Vista Dental to explain more about this process.

In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. Though the term “root canal” can sound scary, modern endodontic treatment is similar to a routine filling and is usually completed in two appointments. Living with infected tooth pulp is a lot more painful than the actual root canal. During the procedure, one of our doctors will apply a local anesthetic. Once the tooth is numb, a small incision will be made in the crown of the tooth and the pulp will be removed. After the space is cleaned, a rubber-like material is used to seal the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is then placed to close the opening. During your final visit, the temporary filling will be removed and a permanent crown will be placed to restore the tooth back to its full function.

If you have questions or concerns about a root canal, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.vistadentalmh.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vista Dental located at 7 Strachan Bay SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1B 4Y2, Canada, call 403-548-7077.