The term root canal can strike intense fear into many minds but a root canal is an extremely common and safe procedure. Root canals can save your tooth from extraction or from needing an implant or bridge. Root canal therapy is a form of endodontics that replaces an infected pulp or root with a rubber-like material.

How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

The pulp of your tooth is the soft tissue inside of your tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. You may need a root canal when this pulp becomes infected. If you are feeling pain when eating or putting pressure on a specific area, pain and extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening of a tooth or tenderness or swelling in the gums, you may need a root canal.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

During a root canal, the dentist will numb the area and then remove the infected pulp. Then the dentist will clean and disinfect the area and shape it, then fill the empty space with a rubber-like material to seal it. Then a temporary filling is placed to protect the root canal. At your next appointment, the temporary filling is removed and one of the dentists at Lynnwood Dental Excellence Center will replace it with a crown or filling.

What Happens After a Root Canal?

After a root canal, there may be slight sensitivity. It’s important to follow good oral care habits to keep your crown and mouth healthy.

Millions of people receive root canals every year. It is a very practiced method of saving teeth and should give you no reason for anxiety. The team at Lynnwood Dental Excellence Center will provide a comfortable and pain free experience during your root canal and help return your mouth to excellent health.