Saving Smiles with Root Canal Treatment: The Unsung Hero of Dental Care

Has your dentist recommended a root canal? You should be excited! It means you don’t have to lose your infected or damaged tooth. Although many people dread root canals, this treatment is designed to save your smile. And thanks to modern pain management techniques, the procedure is now virtually painless.

Do you need root canal treatment (RCT) in Spokane, Washington? If so, welcome to Stein Family Dentistry for safe and effective root canals. Dr. Andy Stein combines advanced technology with gentle techniques to ensure a comfortable dental experience.

Do I need a root canal?

Your tooth is layered like an onion. Beneath the enamel and dentine, there is the root canal system. The root canal includes the pulp chamber that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The outer enamel protects the root canal system in healthy teeth. However, harmful bacteria can infiltrate the pulp chamber when the enamel is breached, causing infection.

An infected tooth causes the following symptoms.

  • Tooth sensitivity, especially when you consume hot or cold foods and drinks
  • A relentless toothache that worsens when you bite into something
  • Tooth discoloration (an infected tooth turns dark or brown)
  • Swollen gums and face
  • Pimple-like bumps on the gums

Deep decay, cracks, and repeated dental restorations can cause dental infection/inflammation. Tooth injury can also damage the pulp, even without visible fractures and cracks. Trauma causes the blood vessels to deaden when blood fails to flow properly in these areas. Only a root canal can resolve an infected/damaged pulp. Otherwise, your tooth may need extraction.

What can I expect from the root canal treatment?

Dr. Stein will use dental X-rays to examine your tooth and surrounding structures. The dentist wants to check the viability of your tooth before endodontic treatment. Before your root canal, the dentist numbs your tooth with local anesthetics to ensure you don’t feel pain—only slight pressure as we work on the tooth. However, if you are anxious about your treatment, sedation dentistry is available on request.

Next, we’ll isolate your tooth with a rubber dam and create a small hole at the top. We’ll use this access hole to flush out the diseased tissues. Next, we’ll thoroughly clean and disinfect your tooth until all the infection is gone. The empty pulp and canals will be filled with gutta-percha (a latex-like material) to stabilize your tooth and prevent future bacterial infections.

The final step is to restore your tooth with a filling, although a crown is preferable for ultimate fortification. Your treated tooth looks, functions, and feels like other teeth. It’s so natural that you won’t tell the difference!

What happens after a root canal?

After treatment, you’ll experience mild pain, swelling, and discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. This is normal, and you shouldn’t be alarmed. We’ll prescribe pain medications to manage the discomfort. Also, ice packs should be applied to minimize swelling. Most of the symptoms will subside after 24 hours.

It takes one week to recover from a root canal. During this period, observe good oral hygiene but avoid irritating the treated tooth. Stick to easy-to-chew foods and avoid chewing on the side of the treated tooth.

Is it time for a root canal?

Root canal treatment relieves pain, resolves infections, and preserves your natural tooth. You have no reason to fear a root canal. Experience pain-free root canals at Stein Family Dentistry. Call (509) 463-1770 to schedule an appointment.