Everett endodontists receive several queries from patients about what to expect during root canal treatment. While its normal to have concerns about the procedure, the good news is it has a relatively quick recovery period. However, the exact recovery time can vary depending on the condition of your tooth. Keep reading to learn more about the root canal procedure and what to expect during recovery.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment in 98208, WA

  • Endodontists and dentists perform around 15 million root canals in the United States each year. A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat infections in the tooth’s pulp, which is the innermost layer of the tooth.

You may require a root canal if bacteria from your mouth penetrate the pulp of your tooth, leading to inflammation. This can happen if:

  • You have a deep cavity that requires treatment.
  • You have a cracked or damaged tooth that allows bacteria to infect the tooth pulp.

What to Expect During a Root Canal in Everett?

  • Before starting the procedure, your dentist or endodontist will take dental X-rays of the affected tooth. Additional tests may be performed to determine if the tooth pulp is dead, infected, or inflamed. 

Your endodontist will:

  • Tap on the tooth or apply a hot or cold substance to check for sensitivity or discomfort.
  • Perform an electric pulp test (EPT), which uses a device to send a gradually increasing electric current through the tooth to gauge the pulp’s reaction.
  • Look for signs of swelling in the gums and bone surrounding the tooth.
  • Ask if you experience pain when biting down.

Steps in the Root Canal Procedure

  • During a root canal in Everett, the dentist or endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the tooth’s interior, and seals it with a filling. Here’s how the process typically proceeds:

Anesthesia

  • Your endodontist will inject local anesthesia to numb the infected tooth and surrounding gums. If you experience dental anxiety, they may administer medication to help you relax.

Dental Dam Placement

  • A thin, flexible piece of rubber, known as a dental dam, is placed over the affected tooth and nearby gums to keep the area dry during treatment.

Pulp Removal

  • Using tiny dental instruments, the dentist carefully removes the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues from the tooth’s pulp chamber. After the pulp is removed, the dentist cleans and disinfects the pulp chamber and root canals.

Filling

  • The empty pulp chamber and root canals are filled with gutta-percha, a flexible, rubber-like dental material. The tooth is sealed with a temporary dental filling to prevent bacteria from entering.

Crown Placement

  • In the final step, a dental crown is placed on the treated tooth to protect it and restore your bite. Because crowns are custom-made, this step may occur two to three weeks after the initial treatment.

Recovery After a Root CanalIs A Root Canal A Major Procedure?

  • Recovery from a root canal typically takes less than a week. If your treated tooth continues to hurt for more than a week, contact your endodontist in Everett or 98208, WA.

After a root canal, your tooth and gums need time to heal. You can support the healing process by:

  • Eating soft foods for the first few days, such as well-cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, smoothies, and yogurt.
  • Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is in place.
  • Take a break from smoking if you smoke, as it can slow down the healing process.
  • Brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing once a day to maintain oral hygiene.
  • Using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection.

Experience a faster and pain-free root canal with our state-of-the-art laser root canal treatment. Icon Dental Center offers precise, effective endodontic treatments with quicker recovery times and minimal discomfort. Contact us today at (425) 337-2400. We provide endodontic services in Evertt, WA.

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