A root canal is a standard dental treatment that removes infected or damaged tooth pulp. At Prime Endodontics, these procedures are typically recommended when a tooth is cracked or has suffered severe decay. The damaged and inflamed root is removed, and the remaining parts of the tooth are cleaned and sealed off to prevent further infection or damage. 

This procedure typically takes several appointments to complete because of the complicated nature of the treatment. However, patients can rest assured that the process is relatively painless and is often no more uncomfortable than a standard filling. 

It’s important to note that the treated tooth will still require further restoration before it can function correctly. This includes the application of a crown or other permanent prosthetic.

The Root Canal Procedure

Our endodontist in Kirkland, WA will numb the tooth and gums around the affected area so that you don’t feel pain during treatment. To do this, the endodontist will use a local anesthetic that stops the pain signals from traveling to your brain. Modern techniques for anesthesia are very effective. 

Once the area is numb, our endodontist will begin the root canal procedure by removing any infected pulp tissue. The canals in the roots are then cleaned and disinfected before they’re filled to complete the procedure. Finally, a crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect it from further damage and restore full function.

The Advantages of Root Canal Therapy

• Saving a natural tooth can prevent the need for other procedures in the future, such as dental implants.
• Keeping the natural tooth helps to preserve the bone structure in your jaw from deteriorating over time. It also helps to prevent facial shagging, which can occur due to lost teeth and bone loss.
• Removing the damaged pulp can relieve any pain or irritation that you might be experiencing.
• An intact natural tooth can also help maintain your appearance and prevent you from wearing a removable denture after tooth loss.
• Avoiding tooth extraction can help you avoid complications with the surrounding teeth. If a tooth is missing for too long, the surrounding teeth may shift into the space, causing alignment issues. In addition, it’s also better to preserve your natural teeth because each time a tooth is removed, you lose some of the supporting bone in your jaw.

Root canal therapy can help eliminate infection-related pain and protect your natural smile. Visit Prime Endodontics at 1029 Market St., Suite 10, Kirkland, WA 98033, or call (425) 440-2000 for the best dental care.