Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy alleviates the intense pain of an infected tooth, which only worsens when you ignore it. Sean Monaghan, DMD, Gina Petrarca, DDS, and the team at Cole Street Dental in Enumclaw, Washington, routinely perform root canal therapy to remove infected or inflamed tissue from a painful tooth before restoring it with a custom dental crown. Call Cole Street Dental or schedule a root canal therapy consultation online today.

How does root canal therapy work?

Root canal therapy is a standard dental procedure to treat a severe tooth infection. Chipping or cracking a tooth can let bacteria inside to reach the pulp — a collection of soft tissue within a tooth that includes the nerve. Even if a tooth doesn’t break, the traumatic impact can inflame the pulp and cause problems. 

The team at Cole Street Dental numbs your tooth with anesthesia before performing root canal therapy. If your tooth infection is severe, they may place decontaminating medication in the canals of the tooth for one or two weeks before completing the procedure. 

The team removes all the pulp tissue from the canals inside your teeth before sanitizing them to eliminate any remaining bacteria. Then, they place a filling. Most people also need a crown to protect their tooth after root canal therapy. 

How can I tell if I need root canal therapy?

A tooth that needs a root canal usually is quite painful. You should never ignore tooth pain. Infected teeth are usually painful even when you’re not biting down or chewing. 

Other signs you might need root canal therapy include:

• Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Tooth darkening or discoloration
• Gum swelling
• Gum tenderness
• Sleep problems due to tooth pain

You should never ignore symptoms like these because tooth infections can turn into abscesses. They also tend to become increasingly painful over time. Fortunately, root canal therapy can alleviate the pain and sensitivity. 

What should I expect after getting root canal therapy?

Some discomfort may last for a few days following your root canal, but it should resolve on its own. Your dentist at Cole Street Dental may prescribe medications, and you should take them as directed during the recovery process. 

During your recovery, you should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that underwent root canal therapy. Once the tenderness has subsided, you can chew normally again. 

The team tells you when to return to Cole Street Dental for your final restoration to crown and protect your treated tooth, which is more vulnerable to breakage after a root canal. 

Schedule an appointment over the phone or online at Cole Street Dental to evaluate your symptoms and find out if you need root canal therapy today.