Root Canal Treatment
Have you heard about stress-free root canal treatment? At North Seattle Smiles, we use modern technology, powerful anesthetics, and sedation options to make complex root canals a thing of the past!
Why We Recommend Root Canal Treatment
Your tooth is made up of three layers: enamel is the visible outer layer, dentin is the layer beneath, and dental pulp is located in the very center of the tooth. Pulp consists of tissue, nerves, and blood vessels that keep a tooth healthy and alive.
The pulp area of the tooth is very well protected from bacteria. However, if you have a deep cavity, crack in the tooth, or suffer dental trauma, bacteria can enter and cause an infection.
Once the pulp becomes infected, the only way to treat it is with root canal therapy at our Seattle, WA, dental office.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
The most pronounced symptom of a root infection is excruciating tooth pain. It’s essential to understand it’s not the procedure itself causing pain; it’s the infection.
Other signs to look for are:
- Jaw pain and swelling
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Red, puffy, or swollen gums
- A “pimple” or bump on the gums
- An awful taste or odor in the mouth
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, please call North Seattle Smiles as soon as possible. Without prompt treatment, the pain will worsen, and the only option will be to remove the tooth. Postponing treatment can also allow infection to spread to other parts of your body and become life-threatening.
What Happens during Root Canal Treatment?
Before we begin treatment, we numb the tooth and give the anesthetic a few minutes to work, ensuring you won’t feel any pain. We then remove the infected tooth pulp using advanced rotary endodontic technology. Unlike time-consuming manual methods, this electrically-powered instrument efficiently removes the infected pulp for a more efficient and comfortable procedure.
When the pulp is removed, our root canal dentist disinfects the area and fills the tooth with a material that helps prevent reinfection. The tooth is then sealed, and a temporary filling is placed while the tooth heals. You may experience some soreness in the area for a day or two, but over-the-counter pain medications are typically all that's needed to relieve it.
In about two weeks, you'll return to North Seattle Smiles, and we will prepare a final filling or crown to place on the tooth so you can chew comfortably on it.
Think You Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or other symptoms and think you need an emergency root canal, call our Seattle, WA dental office. We will take the best possible care of you to relieve your pain and save your tooth.
North Seattle Smiles is pleased to serve all surrounding neighborhoods, including Bitterlake, Broadview, Northgate, Greenwood, and beyond.
