Strengthen & Protect Your Smile With Root Canals

Root canals are often associated with fear and anxiety, but they are a crucial dental procedure that can save your smile and alleviate severe pain and infection. Our dentists at Sleep Dentistry of Portland and Sleep Dentistry of Vancouver offer root canals as an efficient solution to preserve your natural smile.

Why You May Need a Root Canal

Root canals become necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes damaged or infected. This can happen due to deep cavities, trauma, cracks, or repeated dental procedures. When the pulp is compromised, it can lead to excruciating pain, swelling, and even abscesses. Ignoring the problem can result in tooth loss or the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

The Root Canal Procedure:

Our dentist will first assess your tooth's condition through X-rays and clinical examination to determine if root canal treatment is needed. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Our dentist will create a small access point in the tooth to remove the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inner chamber. Once thoroughly cleaned, the tooth is sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to prevent future infection. A crown is usually placed on the treated tooth to restore strength and functionality.

Benefits of Root Canals:

• Pain Relief: Root canals are performed to alleviate severe toothache, providing immediate relief to patients.
• Save Natural Teeth: Root canals allow you to keep your natural teeth, which is essential for proper chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial aesthetics.
• Prevent Infection Spread: By removing infected pulp, root canals prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the mouth or body.
• Long-lasting Solution: With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime, making it a cost-effective option compared to extraction and tooth replacement.

If you experience a severe toothache or suspect dental infection, contact us today to see if a root canal can help restore the health and function of your smile.