Root Canals
Root canals are frequently associated with excruciating pain and lengthy recovery times, but the reality is far less scary. At Kirkland Premier Dentistry, Our expert dentist regularly performs root canal procedures in order to preserve your natural, permanent teeth.
If you’re experiencing a toothache that won’t go away, call the Kirkland, Washington, office or use the online booking tool to make an appointment today.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is an oral procedure designed to repair and save a badly decayed or infected tooth.
Inside each of your teeth is a hollow chamber known as a pulp chamber. It contains soft tissue called pulp, surrounding your nerves.
Even though all of your teeth have nerves, these nerves only provide sensory information and aren’t necessary for your teeth’s general well-being.
During a root canal, your dentist drills into the damaged tooth and then clears out any infected or abscessed tissue. By removing the infection, you can avoid an extraction or more complicated procedure altogether.
Why would my tooth pulp need to be removed?
If you crack, chip, or damage one of your teeth, bacteria and food particles can enter the pulp chamber and start multiplying.
Left untreated, the infection worsens, creating an abscess or pus-filled pocket. In addition to an abscess, an infected tooth can cause:
- Swelling in your face, neck or head
- Pain on either side of your face
- Bone loss around the affected tooth
Drainage problems can also occur, leading to an ulcer or open wound.
What symptoms suggest I need a root canal?
If you notice that one or more of your teeth are sensitive to changes in temperature, or you experience pain or discomfort when biting or chewing, it’s important to schedule an appointment with the team at Kirkland Premier Dentistry.
Other telltale signs you may need a root canal include:
- Pimples or cysts forming on your gums
- Swollen or tender gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
Oftentimes, patients also experience darkening of their gum tissue.
Are root canals painful?
No. Thanks to modern surgical techniques and anesthetics, root canals are safe and generally well tolerated. In addition, a root canal prevents the need for an extraction, speeding up the healing process in general.
What is recovery like following a root canal?
After your root canal surgery, it’s perfectly normal to experience some swelling, irritation, and general discomfort. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully, and take your antibiotics and medications as prescribed. Within a week’s time, you’ll be feeling 100%.
If a toothache is negatively impacting your quality of life, call or use the online booking feature to make an appointment today.
Call 425-284-3881 or Book Online
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