At Cedar Creek Dental: Office of Dr. Phil Han, we perform a root canal procedure to remove damaged or diseased pulp tissue from within the tooth, replacing it with an inert material known as gutta-percha. The tooth is then filled with a temporary filling to protect the tooth while a lab technician fabricates the permanent restoration. Following your root canal treatment, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort. Over-the-counter medications can usually alleviate these symptoms until you can return to your dentist’s office to have your permanent restorative placed.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a procedure that can save your tooth from extraction. It is used to extract the infected pulp deep inside the tooth that has become inflamed and painful. To avoid further infection, the infected tissue is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. If left untreated, an infected tooth can eventually lead to tooth abscesses or bone loss in the jaw. The pulp can become infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures to the tooth, clenching and grinding habits, or a crack or chip in the tooth that allowed bacteria into the tooth.
If you suspect that you have a tooth needing a root canal treatment, contact our office as soon as possible to set up an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the infection's spread and save your smile!
The Root Canal Procedure
Our dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area before the procedure occurs. Next, an opening will be made through the crown of the affected tooth to access the pulp. The damaged tissue will then be removed and cleaned, followed by the disinfection and sealing off of the area. Finally, a temporary dental crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it until the permanent restoration is complete.
Typically, patients will return to the dentist’s office a few weeks later to have the temporary crown replaced with the permanent one. The permanent restoration is made from porcelain-based material to match the surrounding teeth and ensure a natural-looking appearance. It’s common for a crown to last five to 15 years with proper care.
It is recommended to avoid chewing excessively hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth for at least a few days after the procedure to reduce the risk of fracturing the crown. Additionally, using a straw for drinking beverages can increase the damage risk. If a crown becomes loose or falls out, schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible to replace it.
For more information about treating damaged teeth with root canal therapy, visit Cedar Creek Dental: Office of Dr. Phil Han at 11786 SW Barnes Rd #360, Portland, OR 97225, or call (503) 646-1811.
