Root Canal Therapy in Everett, WA

Don’t Live With Tooth Pain Any Longer

Root canal therapy saves a tooth that’s become infected or damaged. While many patients are apprehensive about root canal treatment due to its reputation, it’s a safe way to restore oral health and maintain natural teeth.

In this comprehensive guide, our Everett, WA, dentist explains the basics of root canal treatment to help patients prepare for treatment and feel more at ease going into their procedures. Contact our Everett dental office today by calling (425) 341-1111 to schedule an appointment. 

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to remove the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and clean and shape the root canals. The root canals are then filled and sealed to prevent bacteria from reinfecting the tooth. This helps save the tooth and prevent further damage or infection.

Each tooth has a soft inner layer known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that keep the tooth healthy and alive. When there’s a tooth pulp infection or a damaged pulp, it can lead to pain, sensitivity, and even tooth loss. 

Anatomy of a Tooth

Each tooth consists of three main parts:

• Crown: The crown is the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. It’s covered by a protective layer called enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body.
• Dentin: Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, a yellowish layer that forms the bulk of the tooth structure. Dentin isn’t as hard as enamel but still provides support and protection.
• Pulp: The innermost part of the tooth is known as the pulp. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, playing a vital role in tooth development during childhood.

When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

Root canal therapy may be necessary for several situations, including:

• Dental Decay: When left untreated, a cavity can spread to the tooth’s pulp and cause infection.
• Dental Trauma: A tooth that’s been fractured or chipped can allow bacteria to enter the pulp and cause infection.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease can cause pockets around the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and infect the pulp.

Root canal therapy is often the best way to treat these issues and prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue. Contact our top-rated dentist today.

Signs of Dental Infection

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have a dental infection that requires root canal therapy:

• Severe toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Pain when chewing or biting

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. William Webley as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

There are many benefits to undergoing root canal treatment, including:

• Saving the Tooth: Root canal therapy can help save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.
• Relieving Pain: Root canal therapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by infection or damage to the pulp.
• Preventing Further Damage: By removing the infected or damaged pulp, root canal therapy can prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
• Restoring Function: With a filling in place, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can be fully restored and function like a natural tooth.

Endodontic Treatments

There are several types of endodontic treatment, and the type you receive will depend on your specific dental needs. Common endodontic treatments include:

• Root Canal Therapy: Involves removing the infected or damaged pulp and cleaning and filling the root canal. Once the root canal is filled, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown.
• Apicoectomy: In some cases, root canal therapy may not be enough to treat the infection or damage to the tooth. In these cases, an apicoectomy may be necessary. This involves removing the root’s tip and any infected tissue and sealing the root to prevent further infection. We provide this treatment at our Everett dental practice.
• Pulp Capping: If the damage to the tooth is minor and hasn’t caused an infection, your dentist may recommend a pulp capping procedure. This involves placing special material over the damaged pulp to help it heal and prevent further damage.
• Regenerative Endodontics: This newer type of root canal therapy helps the damaged pulp in young teeth heal and regenerate. This involves using special materials to stimulate the growth of new pulp tissue and blood vessels in the tooth.
• Root Canal Retreatment: In some cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may become infected again. In these cases, non-surgical root canal retreatment may be necessary to remove the infection and restore the tooth. Dr. Webley provides this treatment at the Everett dental office.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

When you visit our Everett office for a root canal treatment, here’s what you can expect:

1. X-rays: Our dentist will first take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
2. Dental Sedation: Before your procedure, Dr. Webley will thoroughly clean your mouth and apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. We’ll also ensure that your chosen sedative is working properly along with the anesthetic. If you’re extra nervous, talk to Dr. Webley about our dental sedation options to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. 
3. Pulpectomy: A hole is drilled into the tooth to create an opening. Dr. Webley will use an ultrasonically activated bactericidal medicament, allowing the removal of unhealthy bacteria, infected pulp remnants, and hard tissue debris within the root canal system. This advanced method often creates a more comfortable treatment experience compared to traditional dental tools.
4. Cleaning and Shaping: After the pulp has been removed, Dr. Webley will clean, enlarge, and shape the canals to prepare them for the filling. This process is usually accomplished with tiny files, and a disinfecting solution may be used to kill any remaining bacteria and wash away debris.
5. Filling the Canals: Once the canals are cleaned, they’re sealed with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the canals.
6. Temporary Filling: A temporary filling material is placed on top of the gutta-percha to close the opening until the tooth is ready for its permanent restoration. We’ll remove this temporary filling before the tooth is restored.
7. Restoration: After your tooth is cleaned, Dr. Webley will reinforce the tooth with a dental filling. Once the tooth is filled, Dr. Webley will seal it with your choice from our biomimetic dentistry options. This permanent restoration, such as a dental crown or a filling, will replace the lost tooth structure, provide a complete seal to the top of the tooth, protect it from infection or breaking in the future, and restore its function.

After the procedure, your tooth may be sensitive for a few days, but over-the-counter painkillers can usually manage this. Despite its reputation, most people report the procedure is no more painful than receiving a dental filling. With Dr. Webley’s expertise and gentle care, you can leave our Everett office with a pain-free and beautiful smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t Put Off the Treatment You Need

Root canal therapy may seem intimidating, but with the correct information and a qualified dentist or endodontist, it can be a safe and effective way to treat various dental problems. By understanding what it is, how it’s done, and when necessary, you can make informed decisions about your dental health and get the care you need to keep your smile healthy and bright.

If you’re unsure if you need a root canal, call our Everett dental office at (425) 341-1111 to schedule a consultation today. We welcome patients in Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood, and Silver Firs, WA.