Save Your Tooth at Just Smile Dental

Tooth pain can become unbearable to the point patients can’t function as they normally would. Oral trauma, infection, or tooth decay are all common dental issues. However, if these conditions are left untreated, patients may be required to receive an extraction to prevent further damage to their oral and overall health.

Fortunately, our Just Smile Dental dentist, Dr. Webley, can save your teeth and restore your oral health with a root canal treatment. Learn how Dr. Webley can help patients in Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood, and surrounding Snohomish County, WA areas save their teeth and preserve their smiles.

What’s Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontics, is a restorative treatment used to save a severely infected tooth. Tooth infections are often caused by untreated cavities, which allow unhealthy bacteria to reach the central layer of the tooth, called the pulp chamber. The dental pulp, which consists of blood vessels, living tissues, and nerves is housed in the pulp chamber and can cause severe pain if infected.

Normally, an extraction is needed when a tooth’s nerve is severely infected. However, with root canal therapy, Dr. Webley can remove the infected dental pulp to preserve your natural tooth and save your oral health.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Choosing to undergo a root canal treatment allows you to receive a wide variety of advantages for not only your oral health but your overall health, as well. Such benefits include:

  • Preserve your teeth from extraction
  • Enhance oral health
  • Prevents infections from returning
  • Protects your overall health

Signs & Symptoms of Infected Tooth

Possible signs you may need a root canal treatment include:

  • Difficulty chewing
  • Tender or swollen gums
  • Consistent severe tooth pain
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Hot & cold sensitivity 

If you’re experiencing any of the following listed above, contact our Everett office at (425) 341-1111 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Webley right away.

Root Canal Treatment Process

Initial Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Webley will do the following:

  • Evaluate your oral condition and the severity of the infection
  • Take 3D X-rays and impressions of your teeth
  • Go over your medical history

Dr. Webley uses 3D X-rays to accurately diagnose and see how far the infection has spread. 3D X-rays allow us to see more than traditional techniques, which also allows us to plan a more precise treatment. By using 3D X-rays, our Everett dentist will be able to see your root canal system in order to plan the treatment in a more precise manner.

We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and concerns during this time. Dr. Webley will explain how the root canal treatment process works and can provide you with sedation dentistry options if you struggle with dental anxiety.

Root Canal Procedure

Before your procedure, Dr. Webely will perform a thorough cleaning of your mouth before applying a local anesthetic to numb the procedure area. We’ll also make sure the sedation you’ve chosen is properly working along with the anesthetic. Once we make sure you’re relaxed and comfortable, Dr. Webley will proceed.

To start, Dr. Webley will use an ultrasonic activation, or better yet, an ultrasonically activated bactericidal medicament. This allows Dr. Webley to cleanse and disinfect unhealthy bacteria, as well as remove the infected pulp remnants and hard tissue debris within the root canal system. This can be done without the use of traditional dental tools for a more comfortable treatment. 

After your tooth is cleaned and filled, Dr. Webley will seal it, and with your choice from our biomimetic dentistry options before leaving our Everett office pain-free and with a beautiful smile.

Apicoectomy 

If you’ve already received a root canal treatment but the procedure wasn’t successful, Dr. Webley may recommend an apicoectomy. This involves removing excess tissues left behind after a root canal treatment. Dr. Webley will use advanced microsurgical technology to locate and remove any infected materials that weren’t properly removed during your root canal treatment.

Root Canal Retreatment

If your infection comes back after a root canal treatment, Dr. Webley may perform root canal retreatment. The retreatment is similar to the first treatment, and Dr. Webley will use 3D X-rays to map your teeth and see where the infections are located. 

During the procedure, Dr. Webley will remove the fillings and crowns to remove any infected materials before replacing the filling and crown restorations. Retreatment is usually enough to prevent infection from returning. If you want more information about this treatment, contact our Everett office at (425) 341-1111 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Webley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the root canal treatment cost?

Your root canal treatment cost depends on factors determined by your personalized treatment plan, such as how many teeth need treatment and your insurance coverage. We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn more about the coverage and benefits your plan offers. 

We’re committed to helping you receive the maximum benefit from your insurance plan. If your insurance coverage isn’t enough, we also offer flexible financing options such as CareCredit so you don’t have to delay your treatment any longer.

What can I eat after my root canal treatment?

After your root canal treatment, Dr. Webley will provide you with post-care instructions to follow at home. Avoid eating, hot, spicy, crunchy, tough, and chewy foods, as they may damage your procedural site. The foods you’re allowed to eat while recovering from treatment are:

  • Scrambled eggs
  • Applesauce
  • Smoothies 
  • Soft fruits and cooked vegetables
  • Yogurt and Jell-o
  •  Blended soups and stews

How can you tell if a tooth is dead?

A dead tooth is noticeable by a change in color. When a tooth’s blood vessel is cut off, the nerve slowly dies, causing the tooth to turn brown, black, or gray. When the nerve is dying, you may also experience severe, intense pain in the tooth. 

If you’re exhibiting the signs and symptoms, contact our Everett office at (425) 341-1111 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Webley. We’ll take a look at the condition of your teeth and provide you with the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

Save Your Tooth With Just Smile Dental!

You don’t have to live with tooth pain any longer. If you’re looking to preserve your teeth and smile in Snohomish County, WA, Dr. Webley can help. At Just Smile Dental, Dr. Webley and our dental team provide root canal therapy to get rid of your infection and maintain your oral health. 

To schedule an appointment, contact our Everett office at (425) 341-1111 to get started today. You can also fill out our online contact form and one of our staff will be able to assist you. We look forward to saving and preserving your smile!