Root Canal Treatment – Lacey, WA
Restore the Health of Your
Tooth with a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is necessary when tooth decay has advanced beyond the outer surface of the enamel to infect the pulp. Also known as endodontic treatment, it’s the last step taken before tooth extraction. While root canal treatments have the reputation of being painful, with modern dentistry, chances are good you won’t feel a thing throughout the procedure -- and the treatment is certainly not any worse than the pain of the original toothache. If you need a root canal treatment in Lacey, WA, don’t despair. You’ll soon be on your way to relief.
Why Choose Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment?
- We Accept Dental Insurance
- Treating Patients of All Ages
- Emergency Patients Welcome
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
A root canal is necessary when the pulp (often called the “nerve”) of the tooth becomes infected, so you’ll feel discomfort in the tooth when it needs a root canal. Pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness and swelling or drainage are all certainly signs you need to see the dentist -- and probably that a root canal is necessary, too.
Steps of a Root Canal Treatment
The procedure for a root canal may be completed in one visit to your dentist, but if the infection is very severe it will be carried over into two appointments to Peterson & Cammack Dentistry.
The treatment looks something like this.
- After anaesthesia has been administered to ensure you’re completely comfortable, your dentist gains access to the inside of the tooth through a small hole. Infections in the front teeth will be reached through an access hole in the back of the tooth, and those in the back teeth will be entered through the chewing surface.
- Your dentist measures the length of the tooth to help treat just the area of the pulp and root canals and nothing more.
- The tooth is cleaned by removing the dead or infected nerve tissue, and the root canals are shaped to receive the fillings.
- After the tooth is clean and has been shaped, it’s filled in with a biocompatible material (usually the rubber-like material known as gutta-percha). This step may be completed in the same visit, or carried over into another appointment to allow time for the infection to heal. If the latter is your best option, you’ll receive a temporary filling.
- Once your tooth is ready, your dentist places a permanent crown or filling to restore the tooth to its original strength. The root canal is complete.
Special Care After Your Root Canal Treatment
If your tooth is not rebuilt in the same appointment (between steps four and five listed above), take care while eating with your tooth. Stay away from hard, crunchy or sticky foods in general and don’t bite or chew on that side at all.
Once your tooth has been fully restored, you’ll need to keep up with your good oral hygiene habits. These include brushing for two minutes, twice a day, flossing daily and visiting your dentist as recommended for routine checkups and cleanings.