Lakefront Family Dentistry Blog

Stop the Pain of Tooth Rot Today!

A Root Canal Treatment Can Fix Painful Tooth Problems

A root canal requires professional treatment that removes diseased tissue and infected nerves from the inside of the tooth. Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, has an outstanding reputation in the Inland Empire for being a family dentist and performing astonishing smile transformations for patients. After more than two decades in the field, he has perfected his craft and provides fast, safe root canal treatments.

During your Lakefront Family Dentistry visit, Dr. Hauser will personally assess any symptoms that are occurring. His thorough examination will then determine the proper path of treatment for your condition. Contact Dr. Hauser’s office and speak with Carla or Jodi (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

tooth rot
Tooth Rot that Requires Immediate Attention

Tooth Decay

Tooth rot results in a cavity or dental caries. This occurs when the bacteria in your mouth makes acids that eat away at the tooth. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause infection, tooth loss and pain.

Prevent tooth decay daily by flossing and brushing your teeth regularly and see your dentist for semi-annual checkups and teeth cleanings.  Also avoid eating foods that are high in sugar.

Causes of Tooth Decay

The combination of food and bacteria causes tooth decay. Plaque, the clear, sticky film that lies over your teeth contains bad bacteria. This bacterium feeds on the sugars in the food that you eat and creates acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, which results in tooth decay.

Tooth decay can be prevented by brushing your teeth daily for at least two minutes each time. Dr. Hauser recommends the Sonicare brand to patients and their families. Sonicare toothbrushes are recommended by more dental professionals than any other brand.

Daily flossing, combined with regular dentist visits and professional cleanings, will prevent tooth decay, too.

Tooth Rot Symptoms

Symptoms are not usually present until a cavity is formed or a tooth becomes infected. When this occurs, a toothache is the most common symptom.

However, other symptoms are sometimes present, which include:

  • Swollen or irritated gums
  • Throbbing mouth pain
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Tooth discoloration

Tooth Rot Diagnoses

Dentists diagnose tooth deterioration by:

  • Examining your past dental and medical problems and oral care
  • Inspecting your teeth using a pointed tool and small mirror
  • Taking digital x-rays of your teeth and mouth

Treating Tooth Rot

Treatment methods vary depending on how badly the tooth is corroded. Slight tooth decay may be reversed with fluoride use. To fix mild tooth decay or cavities, your dentist will fill the cavities with another substance in a process known as “getting a filling.”

For severe tooth decay, you may need a crown or root canal. Or, in extreme cases, your dentist may recommend a simple tooth extraction.

Root Canal Procedure

A general dentist or someone who specializes in diseases of tooth pulp, like Dr. Hauser, can perform a root canal.

Here are the steps of this treatment:

Step 1: The dentist will first numb the gums with a jelly-like substance that usually has a nice fruit flavor. After the gums are numb, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic that will numb the gums, teeth, tongue and skin in that area.

Step 2: The dentist will sometimes separate the decayed tooth from the other teeth with a small sheet of rubber on a metal frame. The protective rubber sheet helps to keep liquid and tooth chips from entering your mouth and throat. Or, the dental assistant will ensure all debris is removed with suction technology that is absolutely painless.

Step 3: Dr. Hauser will efficiently remove the pulp from the tooth. The inside part of the tooth below the gum line will be filled with medicine, temporary filling materials and a final root canal filling.

Step 4: Once the root canal procedure is done, a permanent filling or crown is often needed. If a crown is needed, the decay is removed, and then, an impression of the tooth is made. Dr. Hauser uses the latest CEREC technology with an in-house laboratory that can make your new crown the same day.

Visit Lakefront Family Dentistry for Your Dental Care Today!

Lakefront Family Dentistry is a reputable facility known for convenient, quality services. Dr. Hauser is also one of the leading dentists in the area offering the latest CEREC technology and most advanced equipment available. Speak with our patient coordinators about scheduling an appointment to speak with Dr. Hauser about tooth rot and root canal treatment, Jodi or Carla at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!