Save Your Smile from Infection with Our Dentist in Mill Creek WA
At Caring Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping our patients preserve their natural teeth, even when faced with serious dental infections. One of the most effective treatments for an infected tooth is root canal therapy. This procedure is designed to save your tooth from extraction by removing the infected pulp and cleaning the root canals. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or other symptoms of infection, it’s important to consult our experienced dentist in Mill Creek WA before the condition worsens.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has become infected due to a deep cavity, severe decay, or trauma such as a cracked tooth. During the procedure, the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and nerves are removed, and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria. Although the pulp and nerve are essential while the tooth is developing, they are no longer needed once the tooth has fully matured. Removing them will not affect the tooth’s function.
If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to serious problems. Bacteria can build up at the root tip, causing the infection to spread to the surrounding bone. This may result in swelling, intense pain, and eventually the loss of the tooth. By seeking root canal therapy early from our dentist in Mill Creek WA, you can prevent the infection from causing further damage to your smile.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
If you’re wondering whether root canal therapy might be necessary, here are some signs to watch for:
• Severe tooth pain while chewing: If chewing or applying pressure to a specific tooth causes significant discomfort, this could indicate an infection.
• Persistent sensitivity: Teeth that are highly sensitive to hot or cold, especially if the sensitivity lingers for some time, may need root canal treatment.
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth: A change in the color of a tooth may be a sign that its inner pulp is infected.
• Swollen gums: Swelling in the gum area surrounding the infected tooth is another clear indicator of an underlying problem.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Mill Creek WA as soon as possible.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
The root canal procedure typically involves the following steps:
1. Accessing the Pulp Chamber: First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth to reach the infected pulp chamber.
2. Cleaning the Root Canals: Once the pulp and nerve tissue are removed, the dentist thoroughly cleans the root canals to eliminate bacteria.
3. Temporary Filling (if necessary): In some cases, the treatment may be completed over multiple visits. If so, a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth between appointments.
4. Permanent Restoration: During the final stage, the dentist removes the temporary filling, re-cleans the tooth, and fills the canal with a permanent filling. In many cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate and, when performed by our staff, many treated teeth can last a lifetime. After the procedure, the tooth will be restored with a crown or filling, making it nearly impossible for others to tell that you ever had a problem.
Trust Caring Family Dentistry for Your Root Canal Needs
At Caring Family Dentistry, our goal is to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you suspect you may need root canal therapy, don’t hesitate to contact our expert dentist in Mill Creek WA by calling (425) 745-6310. We’re here to answer your questions, relieve your pain, and restore your dental health.
