Save Your Natural Tooth and Reclaim Your Oral Health with Root Canal Therapy
Are you experiencing an excruciating toothache, especially when biting down on food? Is your tooth sensitive to hot and cold foods? Your tooth could be infected, and you may need a root canal (endodontic therapy) from Eckland Family Dental. This tooth-saving procedure removes the infected tissues and restores your tooth with a dental crown to provide a lasting solution for your tooth. If you suspect you need a root canal and are in Everett or Redmond, Washington, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Kale Eckland and his team.
Warning signs you may need a root canal
While teeth seem like invincible pearly whites that help with grinding, chewing, and making your smile look great, they have layers that can weaken when infected or injured. Called the pulp chamber, the internal layer of your tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When damaged or infected, the pulp chamber causes numerous undesirable symptoms.
Some include:
- An extremely painful tooth
- Sensitive tooth, especially on touch or when exposed to hot and cold foods
- A darkening tooth as the pulp chamber dies off
- Swollen face or gums
- A recurring pimple-like swelling on your gums
- A foul odor or taste despite good oral hygiene
Sometimes, an infected tooth exhibits little or no symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to schedule routine exams with our office. Our dental check-ups can unearth problems even before they become known.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal
What should I expect from the root canal procedure?
After isolating your tooth with a rubber dam, we’ll numb your gums with powerful anesthetics to minimize pain during the procedure. Once you are comfortable, we’ll make a small hole in your tooth to access your tooth internals.
The dentist will remove the infected tissues and other debris before cleaning your tooth to remove all traces of bacteria. After thoroughly cleaning, we’ll fill the empty chamber and canals with a rubbery gutta-percha material.
The final step is to seal the access hole with a temporary filling. In most cases, the dentist reinforces the tooth with a dental crown, providing it with durable function and aesthetics.
After treatment, you may experience some pain, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Mild discomfort is expected as the tooth heals. We’ll give aftercare instructions to ensure you heal seamlessly after a root canal. However, if you experience prolonged pain lasting more than a week, contact us for a follow-up appointment.
Can a tooth still get infected after a root canal?
While root canals are highly effective at removing infection, a tooth can become reinfected if the filling or crown protecting it becomes damaged or leaks over time. Proper oral hygiene and routine checkups with Dr. Eckland can help prevent reinfection. If you experience pain or sensitivity in a treated tooth, it’s important to be evaluated as soon as possible to address any potential issues.
Does a root canal make a tooth more brittle?
Yes, because removing the pulp inside the tooth also removes its natural blood supply, making it more prone to fractures. Most root canal-treated teeth require a crown to restore strength and function. Dr. Eckland will assess whether your tooth needs a crown or reinforcement to protect it from future damage. Don’t chew hard foods on the treated tooth until fully restored.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
With proper care, a successfully treated tooth can last a lifetime. The key to longevity is maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental checkups, and ensuring the restoration (such as a crown) remains intact. However, if a tooth experiences excessive wear, reinfection, or structural damage may require retreatment or additional restorative work. Dr. Eckland will monitor your tooth’s health over time.
Why do some root canals fail?
Though rare, root canal failure can occur due to missed canals, hidden cracks, or reinfection from bacteria entering through a loose filling or crown. An additional treatment called root canal retreatment may be necessary in some cases. Dr. Eckland uses advanced diagnostic tools to clean and seal all canals thoroughly, reducing the risk of complications. If a root canal fails, early intervention can help save the tooth.
Do root canals change the color of the tooth?
In some cases, a root canal-treated tooth may darken over time due to changes in the inner dentin. This happens more often when the pulp tissue isn’t completely removed or the tooth has experienced trauma. If discoloration occurs, internal bleaching or a crown can restore a natural appearance. Dr. Eckland offers solutions to keep your treated tooth looking as good as it feels.
Is it better to get a root canal or extract the tooth?
Saving a natural tooth is the best option for oral health whenever possible. Root canals allow you to keep your original tooth structure, preventing bone loss and shifting of surrounding teeth. Extraction may be necessary for severely damaged teeth, but it often requires a dental implant or bridge replacement. Dr. Eckland will evaluate your case and recommend the most suitable treatment.
What should I eat after a root canal?
After a root canal, your tooth may be temporarily sensitive, so it’s best to stick with soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods, as they can stress the treated tooth before it is fully restored. Dr. Eckland will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. Once you place a permanent restoration, you can resume a normal diet.
Is a root canal a good idea?
Yes! Root canals have over 95% success rate, and the treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. If you suspect a root canal in Washington, call (425) 448-6339 (Redmond) or (425) 249-3830 (Everett) to schedule an appointment with Eckland Family Dental.
