Endodontics

Endodontics focuses on the treatment and management of diseases and injuries to the dental pulp, the innermost part of your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Endodontic procedures are commonly known as root canals.  

When the dental pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay or trauma, a dentist steps in to save the tooth. This involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the area thoroughly, and then filling and sealing it with a special material. 

The goal of endodontic treatment is to eliminate pain and preserve your natural tooth. It may be necessary if you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling around the affected area, or even abscesses.

How Is an Endodontic Treatment Performed?

An endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. The procedure is typically performed by an endodontist, who specializes in treating dental issues related to the inner part of the tooth. 

To start the treatment, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Once you are numb, a small hole is drilled into your tooth to access its inner chamber.  

Using specialized tools, such as files and rotary instruments, your endodontist carefully removes any infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth. The canals are then thoroughly cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling material. After the cleaning and shaping of canals comes a sterilization process where disinfectant solutions may be used to eliminate any remaining bacteria or debris within the canals. This step is crucial in preventing reinfection after treatment.  

Once everything is clean and sterile, our dentist fills each canal with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals off each canal and prevents bacteria from re-entering. A temporary filling may be placed on top of your treated tooth until it can be restored with a permanent crown or filling in subsequent visits.  

Although every patient's situation varies slightly depending on their specific needs, this general overview gives you an idea of how an endodontic treatment is typically performed.

Benefits of Endodontic Treatment

• When it comes to dental health, endodontic treatment can provide a range of benefits. One major advantage is that it can save your natural teeth. This means you don't have to resort to tooth extraction or replacement options like implants or bridges.
• Another benefit is that endodontic treatment can relieve pain and discomfort caused by infected or inflamed dental pulp. By removing the infected tissue and disinfecting the root canal, this procedure eliminates the source of pain and promotes healing.
• Furthermore, preserving your natural teeth through endodontic treatment allows you to continue enjoying normal biting force and sensation in your mouth. You won't have any dietary restrictions as with dentures or missing teeth.
• Additionally, getting endodontic treatment helps maintain the appearance of your smile by preventing further damage to the affected tooth. It also prevents adjacent teeth from shifting position, which could lead to alignment issues down the line.
• Choosing endodontic treatment over extraction may prove more cost-effective in the long run since replacing a missing tooth later on can be costly.

Through advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology, endodontic treatments are now more comfortable and successful than ever before. To learn more, call us at (425) 251-6044 or visit our office, Advanced Care Dental, at 16600 W Valley Hwy, Tukwila, WA 98188. We will be happy to guide you further.