Root Canals

Every year, more than 15 million Americans undergo root canal therapy. This safe and effective treatment can stop an infection in its tracks, preventing the need for an extraction. At Newport Dental in Bellevue, Washington, Sarah Park, DDS, and David Rubinov, DDS, have years of experience performing root canal therapy. If you or a loved one is suffering from a toothache, schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today. 

What is a root canal?

Root canal therapy is a surgical treatment used to preserve an infected tooth. Each of your teeth contains a hollow center known as a root canal. Inside each root canal is pulp, a soft substance that contains nerve endings and blood vessels. The pulp isn’t necessary for a tooth’s survival. 

During root canal therapy, your Newport Dental provider carefully removes the pulp. Afterward, they place a crown on top of your tooth, keeping harmful bacteria out while preventing the need for an extraction. 

What are some of the signs that I need a root canal?

Root canal therapy addresses infected tooth pulp. In the early stages of infection, you might not experience any apparent symptoms. However, as the infection progresses, you might experience persistent tooth pain, swelling around your gum line, or an abscess near the affected tooth.

Sporadic pain may also indicate problems. These may include:

• Tenderness near the bottom of your tooth
• Pain in response to hot or cold foods or drinks that lasts for several minutes
• A tooth that hurts to bite down on
• Spontaneous pain from no apparent trigger

If you experience these or other similar symptoms, make an appointment at Newport Dental right away. 

What is the process for receiving root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy begins with a thorough oral exam and review of your oral health history. Your provider also asks you questions about your symptoms and may take X-rays of your teeth. 

If your provider detects an infection, they numb your tooth roots and gums with a local anesthetic. Once the anesthesia sets in, your provider carefully drills an access hole in the top of your affected tooth and removes the pulp. 

Next, your provider cleans out your root canal with an antiseptic solution and fills the channel with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Lastly, your provider caps your tooth with a crown. 

To learn more about the benefits of treatment with root canal therapy, schedule an appointment at Newport Dental by calling the office or booking online today.