Root Canal Therapy
What is a root canal?
Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This treatment can save natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. Please call us with any questions about non surgical root canals at our Gig Harbor, Wa. office.
At the center of your tooth is the dental pulp.
Pulp tissue is a collection of blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Inflammation and/or infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of inflammation or infection can be identified as visible injury to the tooth, swelling of the tissues surrounding the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.
Endodontic Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic therapy, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canals are discussed.
How is root canal treatment performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend nonsurgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This treatment usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in over 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation visit or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. Local dental anesthetics are utilized for this procedure and you will be able to drive home after your treatment.
If you would like more information on root canals, or other endodontic procedures in the Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or greater Seattle,WA area please contact us.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. It is possible that follow up care with your restorative dentist will be required following your endodontic treatment. Details regarding this will be discussed with you prior to your treatment appointment. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.