Dead Or Just Sick?

Our teeth don’t ‘grow’ and the enamel has no living cells; sometimes, we forget that teeth are alive. We are reminded that they have active nerves when we have a toothache or sudden sensitivity to hot or cold food. Like other organs, teeth need a blood supply to stay alive and healthy.

Veins, arteries, lymph vessels and nerves live below the enamel and dentin in the pulp of the tooth. The tooth eventually dies without blood flow. What can cause blood flow problems? Injury, trauma, infection, large fillings, and multiple restorations can impact a tooth’s blood supply.

The Solution? Root Canals
Your dentist may administer root canal therapy to save a dead tooth. The soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. The final steps include building up the core and placing the crown.

Root canals typically last many years, but not always. Inadequate oral hygiene, decay, periodontal disease, an undetected crack, abscess, or degradation of root canal sealing materials can all cause a root canal to fail.

Next Steps

How do you know if you have a dead or dying tooth? Communicate with Dr. Harris immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms. That is why it is critical to visit your dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination and dental cleaning.

In addition to endodontic therapy, we are dedicated to patient-oriented general and cosmetic dentistry. You can count on Harris Dental for: sedation dentistry, CEREC same-day crowns, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry.

“Where People Mean Everything.”

 

CONTACT HARRIS DENTAL:

480-428-0040

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

4444 N 32 St Ste 208 Phoenix, Arizona 85018

We would love to hear from you!

Please feel free to call us at 480-428-0040 or email us using the contact form on this page!

TEXT OUR OFFICE


Text message is limited to 1000 characters.
I consent to allow Harris Dental to send text messages to my wireless phone number. Message frequency may vary. I understand I may opt-out at any time by replying "Stop".
HOW IT WORKS
  1. Enter your name.
  2. Enter your Cell Phone Number, area code first.
  3. Enter your text message in the box.
  4. Click "Send Text"
  5. A copy of this text will be sent to the office and to your cell phone. The office's reply will also be sent to your cell phone where you can continue the text conversation.
Note: Mobile message and data rates from your cell phone carrier may apply.

TEXT OUR OFFICE



Text message is limited to 1000 characters.
I consent to allow Harris Dental to send text messages to my wireless phone number. Message frequency may vary. I understand I may opt-out at any time by replying "Stop".
HOW IT WORKS
  1. Enter your name.
  2. Enter your Cell Phone Number, area code first.
  3. Select which office you want to text.
  4. Enter your text message in the box.
  5. Click "Send Text"
  6. A copy of this text will be sent to the office and to your cell phone. The office's reply will also be sent to your cell phone where you can continue the text conversation.
Note: Mobile message and data rates from your cell phone carrier may apply.