If you crack and injure a tooth or one of your teeth develops a cavity and deep decay, you might need a root canal. Root canals provide a safe and effective way to preserve your teeth and prevent extractions. General dentist Matt Sahli, DDS, and the team at Sunrise Dental of Lacey in Lacey, Washington, regularly perform root canals to save their patients’ teeth. If you’re suffering from a toothache and suspect you might need a root canal, request an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.

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What is a root canal?

A root canal is a common oral surgery used to remove infected or inflamed tooth pulp. The pulp consists of nerves, soft tissue, and blood vessels that help your tooth grow.

The pulp provides your tooth with nerve sensations such as hot and cold, but it isn’t necessary for your tooth’s survival.

By removing your inflamed tooth pulp, Dr. Sahli can preserve the integrity of your permanent tooth and prevent the need for an extraction.

There are plenty of urban legends about root canals, but the treatment is safe, effective, and relatively pain-free.

Why would I need a root canal?

Root canals work to treat infection or inflammation to the pulp of one or more teeth. You might benefit from a root canal if:

  • You have a tooth with a cavity
  • You chip a tooth
  • You crack a tooth
  • You have a tooth that’s undergone several procedures

The most common symptoms associated with damaged pulp include swelling, tooth pain, and a sensation of heat in your gums. If you experience these or other symptoms, make an appointment at Sunrise Dental of Lacey right away.

What happens during a root canal?

At Sunrise Dental of Lacey, Dr. Sahli performs root canals as an outpatient procedure. Before surgery, he administers a local anesthetic to numb your tooth roots and gums.

Once the anesthesia sets in, Dr. Sahli carefully drills an access hole in the top of your affected tooth. Next, he removes the infected or inflamed tooth pulp. After removing the pulp, Dr. Sahli cleans out the center of your tooth (root canal) using an antiseptic solution.

After cleaning and disinfecting your root canal, he fills the center of your tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Lastly, Dr. Sahli applies a temporary crown to the top of your tooth and writes you a prescription for antibiotics.

About a week later, you return to Sunrise Dental of Lacey, and Dr. Sahli does an oral exam. If your tooth appears healthy, he applies a permanent crown, restoring your smile to its healthy, near-original condition.

What is recovery like following a root canal?

Following a root canal, it’s perfectly normal to experience some pain, swelling, and general discomfort. Listen to Dr. Sahli’s recovery instructions and take your medications as prescribed.

During the first 24-48 hours, avoid rinsing your mouth or smoking cigarettes. You should also eat a diet of soft foods, such as soup, yogurt, and oatmeal. Within five days, you should feel back to normal.

If you’re interested in learning more about root canals, make an appointment at Sunrise Dental of Lacey today by calling the office or using the online booking feature.