Root Canal in Spokane Valley, WA
Root Canal at Ryan R. Love, DDS
Root Canals at Ryan R. Love, DDS
A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to treat and save a tooth that is damaged, infected or badly decayed. It involves removing the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth and filling the root canal to prevent further infection. Root canals are a relatively common dental procedure that can help to relieve pain and save teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted.
Our Process
- Numbing the Area: The process starts with local anesthetic, which is used to numb an area of the mouth.
- Remove Decay & Disease: We then work to remove the decay from the tooth and take out the diseased pulp tissue. The canals of the tooth are cleaned thoroughly with the help of our laser and filled so that they do not become infected.
- Crowning & Aftercare: Once this is done, we will recommend crowning the tooth to keep it fully protected. The root canal procedure typically takes one to two hours in our office and can help alleviate the pain associated with a toothache. Occasionally patients may have some post-operative soreness in the area that is usually treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
One of the most common reasons for root canals is tooth infections. Symptoms of a tooth infection may include throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling, and inflammation in the gum tissue around the affected tooth. If left untreated, tooth infections can lead to more serious health complications, so it is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible.
When would you Recommend a Root Canal?
The best way to determine if a root canal is needed is with an examination. We may take x-rays to better identify areas of decay or to see if a pulp has been impacted by a break or crack in the tooth. It is recommended that if you need a root canal, it be done as soon as possible to prevent problems. Our goal is to provide you with a healthy, pain-free smile as soon as possible.