The truth about painless Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is among the most maligned of dental treatments. The reality is that treating the root canals of your teeth represents a process little more extensive than a common filling. Likewise, thanks to modern techniques and products, we at Westlake Family Dentistry can painlessly and precisely preserve your natural tooth. In fact, this procedure may be the only way Dr. Brad Sievert can help you to avoid the extraction of your badly decayed, fractured, and damaged tooth.

The toothy truth about root canal treatment

Root canal therapy is a type of “endodontic” procedure. “Endodontic” simply refers to treating the inside (“endo”) of the tooth (“odont”). While modern dentistry offers other surgical endodontic treatments, root canal therapy is a non-surgical treatment. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to refer to root canal treatment as a “deep cleaning” for the inside of your tooth. Consider what takes place during this procedure:

  • The top of your tooth is “opened” so the inner pulp tissue can be accessed.
  • This first step often relieves painful pressure associated with the conditions that cause the need for root canal treatment.
  • Also, since treatment is administered on precisely numbed teeth, you won’t feel anything (other than immediate relief from deep inflammation or infections).
  • Diseased tissues at the center of the tooth are removed.
  • The canals themselves are cleaned and reshaped.
  • A safe gutta-percha material is applied to seal off the treatment site, and, in this manner, the treated areas are protected, and reinfection is prevented.

Often, the root canal treated tooth is restored with a dental crown. Dental restoration supports the strong structure of the tooth and its lasting health and functionality. Treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper oral care at home and frequent office visits. We can detect any problems with the tooth early on when those issues can be addressed proactively, quickly, conservatively, and non-invasively. In addition, routine services include professional teeth cleanings that help to manage disease-causing germs and plaque build-up.

Do not wait for throbbing pain, a persistent bad taste, and other unpleasant symptoms of deep dental decay or damage to arise before you contact us. Schedule an appointment today, without delay, by calling (503) 386-4164.

Root Canal

Root Canal Video

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.