Root Canal Treatment in Vancouver, WA

Root Canal Treatment Near You

A "root canal," or endodontic therapy, is a procedure to save a tooth that is infected and would otherwise require extraction. Teeth become infected for many reasons, including cavities, previous large fillings, cracks, crowns, fractures, trauma, and extreme wear.

At Thurston Oaks Dental, we provide our patients with a wide range of dental services. Our highly trained team will take care of all your root canal treatments in Vancouver using cutting-edge dental equipment. There's no better time for you and your family to see Dr. Farmer than now for endodontic services. 

Why Should You Get a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by infection or decay. When a root canal near you is conducted at Thurston Oaks Dental, our dentist will remove the pulp of the tooth, which is the living tissue inside the tooth. The material that makes up the pulp involves everything needed to grow a tooth, including nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Bacteria and any decay are removed, and the resulting space is filled with unique, medicated dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

A root canal is needed when the pulp of a tooth becomes damaged or infected. In many cases, the tooth's crown can remain intact, even if the pulp is removed, allowing the tooth's structure to be preserved.

The pulp may become injured due to factors like tooth decay from cavities, cracked teeth, repeated dental procedures, or direct trauma. In addition to these causes, there are several symptoms that may indicate pulp damage, such as pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, and inflammation.

While some people experience no noticeable symptoms, others may show the following common signs of a tooth infection or damage:

• An infection or abscess at the tooth’s root or in the surrounding area
• Decay that has reached the tooth's pulp (the living tissue inside)
• Injury or trauma to the tooth
• Severe toothache
• Darkening of the tooth
• Small bumps or lumps near the affected area
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Pain that radiates from one specific area in your mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a dentist to determine whether a root canal is needed.

Root Canals Treatment Saves Teeth

A root canal saves a tooth that would otherwise die and have to be removed. Extracting (pulling) a tooth could ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth and loss of bone where the tooth was removed.

Performing the Root Canal Therapy

The endodontist in Vancouver will apply a topical anesthetic at the root canal site. Once the area is numb, the local anesthetic will be injected. A pinching feeling may occur, but this is temporary. You will not be put to sleep for the root canal. After numbing, a tiny hole will be made on the top of the affected tooth. After exposing the pulp, special tools known as files will be removed so the canals can remain clean.

After the pulp is out, a layer of antibiotics will be placed to prevent more infections. After removing the infection, the tooth will be filled with paste and sealed with gutta-percha. You will then possibly receive antibiotics. Once the procedure is done, the original tiny hole will be filled using a temporary filling. Having it sealed will help prevent damage caused by saliva.

Scheduling a Follow-up with Your Vancouver Endodontist

You can expect soreness once the numbing has ceased. Inflammation is also possible and can be treated at home with either ibuprofen or Tylenol. If the pain is unbearable, you should consult with us immediately.

Normal activities may resume a day following the root canal. Ensure you only chew on the affected side once it has been filled.

About a week later, you will have your follow-up appointment. More X-rays will be obtained to ensure the infection is not present. You will then be given a permanent filling.

When you contact Thurston Oaks Dental at (360) 514-9212, we will help make your entire root canal a smooth experience, no matter how much adjustment to the tooth may be needed. Give us a call today to schedule your root canal treatment.