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Our Services / Root Canal

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Root Canal

Each year, more than 15 million Americans undergo root canal therapy. This outpatient procedure can relieve a severe toothache and prevent the need for an extraction. At Tukwila Dental Smiles, restorative and cosmetic dentist Harrison Wamai, DDS, Kieu Vuong, and the team perform root canal therapy on-site. To make an appointment at the practice in Tukwila, Washington, call the office, or click the online booking feature today.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is an outpatient procedure that removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the center of a tooth. Pulp nourishes your teeth; it’s made of nerves and connective tissue but isn’t necessary for their long-term survival. 

By removing the pulp and replacing it with gutta-percha, your Tukwila Dental Smiles provider can ease the pain and prevent the infection from spreading. What’s more, the procedure occurs under anesthesia, so it’s virtually pain-free.

Why would I need a root canal?

At Tukwila Dental Smiles, the team performs root canal therapy to treat tooth pulp that’s injured or infected. Common causes of injury and infection to the pulp include:

  • Deep decay caused by a cavity
  • Undergoing extensive dental work
  • Chipping or cracking a tooth
  • Oral trauma 

If you experience persistent tooth pain, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, contact the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles right away. 

What does a root canal involve?

At Tukwila Dental Smiles, getting a root canal takes two visits.

First root canal visit

Before your provider does a root canal, they order a series of oral X-rays and assess your tooth. If the X-rays detect infection or inflammation, your provider numbs your mouth and removes the pulp from your tooth.

Your provider cleans out your tooth and fills it with a material called gutta-percha. When the gutta-percha dries, your provider takes impressions of your tooth and covers it with a temporary crown.

Following your first appointment, the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that creates a custom dental crown. 

Second root canal visit

When the dental lab completes your custom crown, you return to Tukwila Dental Smiles. Your provider replaces your temporary crown with the permanent one and provides care instructions. 

What is recovery like after a root canal?

After a root canal, it’s normal to experience mild swelling and increased tooth sensitivity. In the day following your procedure, the team recommends:

  • Brushing and flossing gently
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medication
  • Avoid chewing with the temporary crown
  • Avoiding hot, cold, or spicy foods and beverages

Any discomfort should subside within a day or two; however, if your symptoms persist or get worse, contact the team at Tukwila Dental Smiles right away.

To see if you can benefit from a root canal, make an appointment at Tukwila Dental Smiles by calling the office, or clicking the online booking feature today.