Non-surgical Root Canal

Non-surgical root canal therapy is a quick and pain-free way to preserve a permanent tooth that has a severe cavity. At Redmond Dentists in Redmond, Washington, Ellen Vyas, DDS, and the team specialize in non-surgical root canal treatment. Non-surgical root canals don’t require incisions and present few risks. Call Redmond Dentists to schedule a non-surgical root canal, or book your appointment online today.

What is a non-surgical root canal?

A non-surgical root canal preserves an infected permanent tooth.

During treatment, your provider at Redmond Dentists accesses your tooth pulp (a soft material inside your tooth made of blood vessels and nerves) by making a small hole in the top of your tooth. Then, they remove the pulp and clean the inside of your tooth with an antiseptic solution. 

Removing the pulp stops the pain, eliminates the infection, and prevents the need for an extraction.

Why would I need a root canal?

The providers at Redmond Dentists use root canal therapy to repair infected or inflamed tooth pulp. You might be a candidate if you have:

• Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
• An infected tooth
• Swollen gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Tooth discoloration
• Pain when biting and chewing
• A loose tooth
• A chipped or cracked tooth

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Redmond Dentists immediately. 

Do I need medication before a root canal?

If you have a severe infection, your dentist prescribes an oral antibiotic to take in the days leading up to your root canal. Take the medication as prescribed and finish all of the pills, even if your mouth starts feeling better.

What happens during a non-surgical root canal?

Your dentist numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and makes a small hole in the top of your tooth with a handheld instrument, like a laser or drill. They remove all of the pulp from inside your tooth and rinse the inside out with a sterilizing solution.

Next, your provider fills your tooth with a material called gutta-percha. After the gutta-percha dries, they apply a temporary filling and take impressions of your tooth. Your dentist sends the impressions to a dental lab that creates a custom dental crown.

When your custom crown is finished, a week or two later, you return to Redmond Dentists. Your provider removes the temporary filling and covers your tooth with the custom crown. They check your bite, polish your teeth, and explain how to keep your crown in optimal condition. 

What is recovery after a root canal like?

After a root canal, your tooth feels sensitive for several days. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and avoid biting down on your tooth until you get your custom crown. 

Call Redmond Dentists to schedule a non-surgical root canal or book your appointment online today.