North Bend, WA

Root Canal Therapy

Worried about an upcoming root canal treatment? If so, you are not alone. Despite its reputation, root canal therapy does not have to be a scary or painful procedure. In fact, the endodontic treatment alleviates pain caused by a damaged or infected root, so you will leave Mt Si Dental Center feeling better than when you walked in. With our modern local anesthetics, state-of-the-art technology, and cutting-edge techniques, the procedure is comparable to having a cavity filled!

Why Would You Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is typically required when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves, becomes inflamed or infected. Tooth pulp damage can result from deep decay, trauma, or a tooth crack or chip. If not treated, infected tooth pulp can lead to severe pain, swelling, or even an abscess. This can turn into a life-threatening emergency.

Root canal therapy involves the removal of the diseased pulp to relieve your pain, save the tooth, and prevent further infection. The only alternative to a needed root canal treatment is to have the tooth extracted, which should always be considered a last resort.

What Are Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy?

The most common signs of tooth pulp damage include persistent or recurring tooth pain, pain when chewing or biting, lingering sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth chips or cracks, and gum swelling or tenderness. Symptoms also include tooth discoloration, a loose tooth, or a pimple-like bump on the gum, indicating an abscess.

If you experience any of these warning signs, contact Mt Si Dental Center to schedule an appointment. We will diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most conservative treatment option to restore your healthy smile.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Root Canal Therapy

Using digital x-rays, we will determine the extent of the infection and if any bone tissue is damaged. We also use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), an advanced imaging system, to capture detailed 3D images of your teeth, jaws, sinuses, and surrounding structures.

CBCT scans provide us with exceptionally clear views of the internal structures of the tooth, which helps us identify the number and location of the affected tooth's root canals. The innovative technology reveals any additional canals, fractures, or unusual anatomy not visible on 2D digital radiographs.

Our advanced technology helps plan treatment to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. It also ensures that your root canal procedure is precise and efficient, delivering the best possible treatment outcomes.

What Is the Root Canal Therapy Procedure?

Root canal treatments usually take one or two visits to complete. The goal is to eliminate the infection, save the affected tooth, prevent further reinfection, and restore your smile's health and function.

We will start your root canal procedure by numbing the affected area with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. We will make a small opening in the tooth's crown and carefully remove the damaged pulp, and clean, disinfect, and shape the root canals. We will seal the root canals to prevent reinfection.

After root canal therapy, the tooth becomes prone to fracture, which is why we typically (but not always) recommend placing a dental crown for protection. Your new restoration will match your natural teeth, providing seamless results. With proper care, your root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime!