Dr. Karen Tritinger-Young of Lakeside Dentistry performs root canals for patients in the Yakima, WA, area. If you have an infected tooth, you may be delaying going to the dentist because you're scared of the pain. A root canal actually saves your tooth and spares you from further pain. Read about root canals and come see us if you are in pain.
Root Canals In Yakima, WA
When a tooth has a lot of decay, it can infect the tooth pulp and cause extreme pain and sensitivity. A root canal procedure saves your natural tooth by removing the infected tooth pulp and placing a filling to prevent reinfection. Root canals get a bad reputation because they sound intense! But a root canal is a very routine procedure that is no more uncomfortable than getting a new filling. Removing the infection is the best way to relieve your pain and protect the infected tooth.
First, the area is numbed so you shouldn't feel discomfort after that. Then a small opening is made on the surface of the affected tooth. Through this opening, your dentist uses tiny instruments to remove the dead and infected pulp tissue causing you pain. This is followed by a thorough cleaning of the tooth's canal system. Fillings are placed to prevent infection and your tooth is cemented closed with another filling. Finally, a dental crown is placed on top of the tooth to strengthen it.
You may have a little discomfort or sensitivity in the few days following the procedure. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter painkillers to ease your discomfort. After the procedure, you have a strong natural tooth that is protected against reinfection.
In the rare case a tooth does become infected again, your dentist can perform an apicoectomy which removes the tooth's root to prevent reinfection. If you are in pain, you may need a root canal. Dr. Tritinger-Young of Lakeside Dentistry is here to help. Contact us for an appointment in Yakima, WA, at (509) 494-0121.