Root Canal Therapy in Federal Way WA

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Professional Care For Root Canal in Federal Way WA

Root Canal Therapy or RCT, is a dental surgical technique where a hole is made in the affected tooth to gain access to the infected pulp that lies underneath. At that point, depending on the nature of the infection, antibiotics may be applied to clear the infection. The pulp itself may be removed if the infection is too severe, or other techniques may be used.

It is important to get proper RCT from a professional once you have been diagnosed with infected roots or pulp because, without treatment, this can lead to:

• An infected swelling that can spread to other parts of your mouth, face, and head.
• Bone loss around the root area
• Infected fluids can drain into the gums, spreading the infection further or even penetrating the cheek.

In every case, the outcome is the same; ignoring the problem will simply make it grow larger and potentially infect much more of your mouth, face, and head. But, with a proper diagnosis of the problem, a few RCT techniques can be employed depending on the severity of the infection.

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When Do you Need a Root Canal?

The dental pulp can become infected when the dentine layer and the tooth’s enamel get damaged, exposing the soft interior. This usually happens due to cavities, cracks, fractures, or injuries. At times, the damage can be too minor to be visible to the naked eye. The symptoms of a root canal infection may include the following:

• Swollen or tender gums
• A severe toothache
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
• A darkened or discolored tooth
• An abscess or noticeable signs of infection

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The Root Canal Procedure

If you need a root canal treatment, our dentist will examine the infected tooth using X-rays to create the most effective treatment plan. The treatment is straightforward and performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Root canal treatments may require several appointments, depending on the severity of the infection. Dr. Dennis Hahn will first numb the affected region by administering local anesthesia.

We will drill into your tooth during the procedure to access the infected pulp, which will then be carefully removed. The tooth’s core will be disinfected and meticulously cleaned to remove debris and bacteria. Next, we will place a material called gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth, inside and seal the tooth with a temporary filling.

During the subsequent appointment, the temporary filling is removed. The opening is cleaned again and packed with gutta-perchao to further reduce the bacterial load. Finally, the space is covered with a permanent filling to ensure that the tooth can function normally again.

If you need a dental crown for added protection and support, it can also be done in the same appointment. We will capture impressions of the tooth and send them to a dental lab for fabrication. We will ensure the new crown matches your existing teeth and blends in with your smile.

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Typically, root canals are recommended by a dentist after a thorough examination. However, if you haven’t visited a dentist for quite some time and are experiencing unusual amounts of pain in your tooth, the infected pulp may be the problem. Call our team at Marine Hills Dentistry today for an accurate assessment and see if a root canal can treat your problem.