Root canal therapy is a common endodontic procedure used to treat the inside of the tooth. In order to understand root canal therapy, it is important to know that there is a soft tissue called the pulp that lies within the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues.
When the pulp becomes damaged for any reason, it must be removed before it negatively affects the rest of your smile and your overall health. While the pulp is important during the tooth’s growth and development, it is not necessary once the tooth is fully mature.
WHY WOULD I NEED A ROOT CANAL?
Patients with an infected or inflamed pulp need root canal therapy. This inflammation or infection can be caused by deep decay or cracks in the tooth. If a damaged pulp is left untreated, it can cause pain or an abscess.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DAMAGE?
Signs of pulp damage include:
- Pain
- Increased sensitivity
- Tenderness to chewing and touch
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swelling of the gums around the tooth
- Drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes
While most patients notice some discomfort, other patients do not experience any symptoms.
During treatment, Dr. Adams will remove the damaged pulp. He will clean and shape the inside of the root canals, then fill the space with a hygienic material. Later, you will return to the office so we can place a natural-looking crown that will strengthen and protect the tooth.
WILL A ROOT CANAL BE PAINFUL?
With modern technology and a gentle approach, rest assured that your root canal should be no more painful than any other dental procedure. Dr. Adams also offers sedation dentistry for patients who feel nervous about their procedure.
When you take advantage of patient amenities, advanced dental technology, and safe sedation, your procedure will be pain-free. During the recovery process, we will be by your side to ensure your comfort and wellness.
Stay on top of your oral health, and don’t let a damaged pulp get out of hand. To schedule your appointment, call us at Cascadia Family Dental today.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
With unwavering dedication, Dr. Jared Adams combines his extensive education, passion for dental wellness, and commitment to the highest ethical standards to create transformative smiles and foster enduring patient relationships.
Dr. Adams's journey began with a persistent childhood dream of becoming a dentist. He holds dual pre-dental degrees in Human Resources and Biology from Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University. Graduating from Loma Linda University with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2013, Dr. Adams's commitment to excellence is evident through his pursuit of continuous learning, culminating in his recent achievement of the prestigious FAGD, a distinction held by only 3% of dentists nationwide.
Dr. Adams is an esteemed member of several dental organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, showcasing his dedication to staying at the forefront of dental advancements. In Dr. Jared Adams, you'll find a dentist whose expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness are evident not only in his professional achievements but also in the warmth and compassion he approaches patient care. Your smile is in capable hands.