Root Canal Therapy

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When a tooth becomes infected or severely decayed, root canal therapy may be necessary to save it from extraction. At Northwest Dentistry, we perform gentle and effective root canal treatment to eliminate infection, relieve pain, and preserve your natural tooth.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria enter the pulp due to decay, cracks, or trauma, it can lead to infection and significant pain. Root canal therapy involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it with a special medicated material to restore strength and function.

This treatment helps prevent the need for tooth extraction and protects surrounding teeth from shifting or further damage.

Why Root Canal Treatment May Be Needed

You may require a root canal if you experience:

Persistent or severe tooth pain
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
Swelling or tenderness in the gums
A pimple-like bump or abscess on the gums
Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
Infection visible at the root on X-rays
Note: In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Saves your natural tooth
Stops infection from spreading
Restores normal chewing and function
Prevents misalignment caused by tooth loss
Provides long-term relief and protection

Root canal treatments are highly successful and often last a lifetime with proper care.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Root canal therapy typically takes one or more appointments and may be performed by a dentist or a root canal specialist (endodontist).

Step-by-Step Process

Comfort First: The tooth is numbed to ensure a painless procedure.
Tooth Isolation: A small dental barrier (rubber dam) is placed to keep the tooth clean and dry.
Access & Cleaning: A small opening is made to access the pulp chamber, and specialized instruments are used to remove the infected tissue and bacteria.
Filling & Sealing: Once cleaned, the space is filled and sealed with medicated material. A temporary or permanent filling is placed to close the access.
Final Restoration: To protect the tooth from fracture and restore full function, a dental crown is usually recommended after root canal therapy.

Aftercare & Healing

It is normal to feel slight sensitivity after treatment, which will gradually subside as the tooth heals. Following your dentist’s care instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending regular checkups will help ensure long-term success.

If you're experiencing tooth pain or signs of infection, early treatment can save your tooth and prevent complications. The team at Northwest Dentistry is here to provide gentle, compassionate care every step of the way.