Endodontic therapy, also called root canal treatment, is a well-known, time-tested dental procedure that can relieve infection- or abscess-related tooth pain and, ultimately, save your smile. The goal is to preserve the tooth’s structural integrity even if the pulp—the tooth’s soft center containing nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels—is damaged or infected.
The Root Canal Process: How We Alleviate Your Pain
At the onset of root canal treatment, we administer local anesthesia with the Onset by Onpharma local anesthetic buffering system to quickly numb the affected area and ensure your comfort throughout the process. We then access the inflamed or infected pulp via a small opening in the crown of the tooth, remove it, and clean the inside surfaces of the tooth. The final stage involves filling and sealing the space to prevent future infections, thus relieving the initial discomfort and preserving the tooth’s function.
Identifying the Need for Root Canal Therapy
The need for root canal therapy arises when oral bacteria invade the pulp inside your tooth. Common causes include untreated cavities, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or physical trauma causing cracks or chips.
Signs you might need root canal treatment include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Swollen gums
- Pimple or boil on the gums
- Swollen jaw
- Tooth discoloration
Should symptoms occur, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Loveleeen Brar at Marigold Dental in Federal Way promptly to avoid further complications.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment offers numerous benefits. Most notably, it effectively eliminates tooth pain and discomfort, stops the spread of infection, and preserves the natural tooth structure. It saves millions of teeth annually and helps maintain your natural smile, enhancing your overall quality of life.
Additionally, root canal treatment
- Alleviates painful symptoms
- Retains your natural tooth
- Prevents spread of infection
- Improves oral and overall health
- Saves you from complex dental procedures in the future
What to Expect During a Root Canal treatment procedure
Root canal treatment is usually accomplished in one to two visits to preserve your natural tooth and improve oral health.
- Preparation: We will numb your tooth using local onset buffering, ensuring minimal discomfort during the process. A rubber dam isolates the tooth, keeping the area dry and saliva-free.
- Cleaning the Root Canal: We drill an opening in your tooth to remove the decay and bacteria. Small instruments, called root canal files, are used to clean the canals of your tooth.
- Filling the Root Canal: After thoroughly cleaning the canal, we fill it with gutta-percha, a rubber filling material, and then add a regular tooth filling. In some cases, we will prefer to wait a week or two before completing this stage to ensure no discomfort or infection persists.
The Aftercare
Post-root canal procedure, it’s crucial to follow our aftercare recommendations. These include taking prescribed medications, maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding hard or chewy foods until complete healing, and scheduling follow-up appointments for monitoring and additional dental work if needed.
Remember, your tooth can become dry and brittle after root canals. A crown or a cap is often recommended to protect and strengthen the tooth structure.
If you are experiencing symptoms indicating the need for a root canal, don’t delay
Don’t ignore the symptoms. If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s crucial to consult your dentist immediately. Root canal treatment can relieve discomfort and save your natural tooth from extraction.
Early intervention is vital for successful root canal treatment and a healthy smile. Schedule your consultation today and embrace the path to a pain-free, radiant smile.
Root canal treatment is a safe, effective, and time-tested dental procedure for preserving your natural smile and ensuring oral health. Still, care must be taken to maintain the treated tooth and surrounding area to avoid any potential complications.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort with your teeth or gums, schedule an appointment with Marigold Dental in Federal Way, WA, right away to understand what is going on and if root canal treatment is the appropriate course of action to alleviate your pain or discomfort. Our friendly team is ready to provide you with exceptional care and guide you on your journey to a healthy, confident smile.
