Preserve the Health of Your Teeth

We believe that each of our patients deserves to enjoy the many benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile; that is why we offer a comprehensive array of dental services designed with your oral health and satisfaction in mind. One of these treatments is endodontic therapy or root canal therapy.

 

How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?

In order to understand the process and purpose of root canal therapy, it is best to first gain a fundamental understanding of tooth anatomy itself. The outer layer of a tooth, or the enamel, is the hard, white portion you see when you smile.

Directly beneath this layer lies the dentin, a type of calcified tissue that is slightly softer than enamel but still harder than bone. The innermost material that makes up a tooth is known as the pulp. It is within this pulp that blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues reside, allowing the tooth to grow during development. When development is complete, the tooth is capable of surviving without the pulp because it is supported by surrounding tissues.

In the case of a tooth that has been affected by decay to the point of infection, root canal therapy may be the only process by which the tooth can be saved. The infected pulp is removed and the resultant cavity is thoroughly cleansed; it is then filled with biocompatible material called gutta-percha and capped with a custom crown. This crown provides both structural stability and protection from future infection, all while promoting a natural, aesthetically pleasing smile.

Root canal therapy effectively removes the infected pulp of a tooth, eliminating the possibility of further inflammation and the spread of the infection to surrounding teeth. Patients with excruciating tooth and gum pain typically find that undergoing root canal therapy alleviates their discomfort in as little as one visit.

Despite the fact that root canal treatments have been long associated with pain, the experience itself can actually be accurately compared to the placement of a regular filling. We’ll make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed before, during, and after your treatment. Within one to two days following treatment, you’ll finally be free of your toothache pain and the constant discomfort caused by the infection.

 

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

For some patients, the need for root canal therapy is not immediately apparent and there are no painful symptoms associated with the underlying infection. In cases like these, a digital X-ray and a thorough visual exam will help determine the appropriate course of treatment. In most cases, however, the patient will notice some sort of warning sign or persistent symptom. These include:

  • Swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue surrounding a specific tooth
  • A severe, persistent toothache
  • A visible abscess on the gums
  • Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or foods
  • A darkening of the tooth (usually dark gray)

If you or anyone in your family is suffering from these or other unusual dental health symptoms, call us today to schedule your appointment with our caring, experienced team. As is the case with many other oral health concerns, early treatment of an infected tooth can help prevent the development of more serious complications.

 

Root Canal Treatment Families Trust

Contact our office in Cashmere or Wenatchee, WA today to schedule your visit with Drs. Ryan and Janie Busk, and experience the differen ince our commitment to your satisfaction can make in your smile. We look forward to helping you find lasting relief from toothache pain and infection with root canal therapy. Our state-of-the-art dental practice happily welcomes patients from throughout Wenatchee, Quincy, Peshastin, Cashmere, and beyond.