If you have a dull, unbearable pain in your tooth, or your tooth feels excessively sensitive to hot and cold foods, it may be infected or damaged. This condition can be addressed with root canal therapy.
At Marine Hills Dentistry in Federal Way, Washington, our experienced dentist can perform root canal treatments to save the impaired tooth, prevent the spread of infection, and avoid extraction. After the treatment, we will place a restoration over the treated tooth to restore its original appearance and strength.
request an appointmentWhat Is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal procedures are among the most common dental therapies. They are performed on teeth that have been severely compromised, allowing bacteria to access the soft core of the tooth called the pulp where the nerve endings are situated. The root canal procedure involves the removal of the pulp and replacing it with a medicated material.
After the treatment, the tooth is restored to its original appearance using restorative appliances like crowns. Once treated, the tooth will be healthy and functional and less sensitive to temperature than before as it will no longer have a nerve.
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
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.
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 inside to further reduce the bacterial load and seal the tooth with a temporary filling.
During the next stage of root canal therapy, we will restore your tooth’s original appearance using a filling or a temporary crown. We recommend placing a permanent crown to protect and strengthen the tooth.