Root Canals
We offer expert root canal therapy at Smile By The Station Dentistry to treat infected or inflamed tooth pulp. Our procedure preserves your natural teeth, preventing the need for extractions. We remove the infected pulp, thoroughly clean the tooth, and fill it with biocompatible material to restore dental health.
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Benefits of Root Canals
Root canal treatment provides several key advantages:
- Eliminates severe tooth pain and sensitivity
- Stops the spread of infection to surrounding teeth
- Preserves your natural tooth structure
- Restores normal biting force and sensation
- Maintains your natural smile and oral function
Why Choose Us
Advanced Technology
We use modern equipment for precise and efficient treatment.
Comfort-focused Approach
Our team prioritizes your comfort throughout the procedure.
Experienced Specialists
Our dentists have extensive training in endodontic procedures.
Personalized Care
We tailor each treatment to your specific dental needs.
What To Expect
Examination
We’ll assess your tooth and take X-rays to plan the procedure.
Anesthesia
We’ll ensure you’re comfortable with local anesthesia.
Pulp Removal
We’ll carefully remove the infected pulp from your tooth.
Cleaning and Shaping
We’ll clean and shape the root canal for filling.
Sealing
We’ll fill and seal the tooth with a biocompatible material.
Prep & Aftercare for Root Canals
Preparation:
- Take any prescribed antibiotics before the procedure as directed.
- Eat a light meal before your appointment, as your mouth may be numb afterward.
- Arrange for transportation if you’re receiving sedation.
Aftercare:
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for any discomfort.
- Practice good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the treated area.
FAQs
How long does the procedure take?
Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting about 90 minutes.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients experience minimal pain during the procedure with modern techniques and anesthesia.
How long does recovery take?
You may experience some sensitivity for a few days, but most patients can return to normal activities the next day.
Smile By The Station Dentistry is committed to providing top-notch root canal treatments to preserve your oral health and natural smile.
Root canals provide a safe and effective treatment for infected or inflamed tooth pulp. At Smile By the Station Dentistry in Seattle, Washington, cosmetic and family dentist Ok Kyu Lee, DDS, and the team regularly use root canals to preserve natural teeth and prevent extractions. Root canal therapy is quick, painless, and provides lasting results. Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule a root canal consultation, or book your appointment online.
Root Canals Q&A
Are root canals a type of oral surgery?
Yes. A root canal is an outpatient procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from the center of your tooth. Pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. It lets you feel temperature sensations, like hot and cold, but isn’t necessary for a tooth’s survival. Removing the pulp from your tooth stops the pain, prevents the infection from spreading, and preserves your smile.
Who should consider root canal therapy?
Consider root canal therapy at Smile By the Station Dentistry if you have:
- Tooth pain that won’t go away
- Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
- Swollen gums
- A pimple underneath your gums
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A loose tooth
Infected tooth pulp doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. Routine checkups at Smile By the Station Dentistry provide peace of mind and alert you to potential problems before they worsen.
How do I prepare for a root canal?
Before recommending a root canal, your Smile By the Station Dentistry provider completes an oral exam and orders dental X-rays. If you have a severe tooth pulp infection, they prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation and prevent it from worsening.
You need to stop smoking and using tobacco leading up to the procedure. Tobacco affects your body’s ability to heal itself, so it increases the risk of complications.
What do root canals involve?
Root canals at Smile By the Station Dentistry average 45-60 minutes.
Your dentist administers a local anesthetic at the beginning of your appointment to numb your mouth. Then, they make a small opening in the top of your tooth and remove the infected pulp.
Your dentist cleans debris from the center of your tooth and rinses it with an antiseptic solution to eradicate any remaining bacteria. Then, they fill the inside of your tooth with a material called gutta-percha and take digital impressions.
Your dentist sends the digital impressions of your tooth to a nearby lab that creates a custom crown. A week or two later, when the crown is finished, you return to Smile By the Station Dentistry to try it on.
Your dentist bonds the crown on top of your treated tooth and checks your bite. They remove any excess material and explain how to keep your crown in top condition.
Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule a root canal consultation, or book your appointment online.
