Root Canal

Why would I need a root canal?

The dental experts at Redmond Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry perform a root canal procedure to save your infected tooth that otherwise might require extraction.

You must be treated as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading. Inflamed tissue can cause an abscess that spreads the infection to the gums and jaw. In severe cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis.

What causes an infected tooth?

Teeth become infected when the protective enamel is damaged in some way, allowing bacteria to pass into the dental pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that can become infected and inflamed.

Your enamel may be damaged by:

• Tooth decay
• Dental procedures
• Cracks or breaks
• Other trauma to the tooth

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?

The following symptoms alert you to a tooth infection:

• Pain when chewing
• Persistent pain after feeling cold or heat
• Severe tooth pain
• Discolored teeth
• Darkened teeth
• Swollen, painful, or lumpy gums

What happens during a root canal?

Your dentist at Redmond Smiles injects local anesthesia near the infected tooth to maximize your comfort. A root canal should be virtually pain-free.

Your dentist takes several steps to save your tooth with a root canal. They:

• Drills a small hole in the infected tooth
• Cleans out all of the infected tissue
• Removes infected pulp and roots, if necessary
• Cleans and disinfects the cleared area
• Fills the hollow with a rubber-like material to stabilize it
• Caps the filled tooth with a crown

Don’t worry if your dentist removed your tooth’s roots during the procedure: You only need adult tooth roots for feeling hot, cold, and other sensations. Your Redmond Smiles dentist prescribes antibiotics to kill any remaining bacteria in your tooth or your system.

What is my tooth like after a root canal?

Your tooth functions like a natural tooth after your root canal. Your Redmond Smiles dentist also ensures that the color of your crown matches your natural teeth.

Don’t delay treatment if you have a toothache. Call the experts at Redmond Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry to schedule a root canal, or book an appointment online, or walk in during office hours.