A root canal is a specialized procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely decayed or infected by removing the damaged pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. This endodontic procedure helps prevent the extraction of the affected tooth and protects the patient’s overall oral health.

At Essence of Dentistry, our main focus when the doctor’s diagnosis indicates the need for root canal treatment is the patient’s peace of mind. At our dental office in Redmond, WA, we offer several anesthesia and sedation options for pain management and we will discuss them with you in detail before proceeding. You can trust that our dedication and commitment to providing empathetic and top-quality care will ensure you have a stress-free and positive experience.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a procedure performed by our skilled dentists when the infected pulp tissue inside a tooth needs to be removed. Pulp tissue may become infected as a result of deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures on the tooth.

To remove the infected tissue, the dentist will make a small opening in the tooth to access the root canals. Next, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and then properly clean and disinfect the canals. The last step of the procedure is sealing the canals and restoring the tooth’s structure and strength with a filling or crown. This restoration will protect the tooth from future damage or infection and restore its function and beauty.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

Although many may fear having to undergo a root canal thinking it is painful or uncomfortable, the procedure is in fact quite straightforward. In addition, at Essence of Dentistry, our dentists use top-of-the-line tools and state-of-the-art technology to perform root canals. These tools and technologies improve patient comfort and safety and ensure more precise treatment and better results.

We also offer various sedation options to help patients feel at ease and relaxed during their dental procedure.

What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is the most effective treatment when a tooth’s pulp is infected, damaged, or inflamed. The procedure’s main purpose is to remove the infection from the tooth's pulp chamber and protect the tooth from further damage.

By removing the infected tissue, a root canal saves the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction and replacement. A root canal also safeguards the patient’s overall oral health by preventing the spread of the infection to other areas of the mouth.

Signs You May Require a Root Canal

The following signs and symptoms may indicate the need for a root canal, and you should schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists as soon as possible if you experience any of them:

• Sharp pain in your tooth especially when eating or drinking
• Extreme sensitivity to cold or heat
• Persistent tooth pain that worsens when pressure is applied
• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums