Root Canal Therapy
Just hearing or reading the phrase, “root canal,” can bring up stress, fear, and thoughts of a painful procedure—but that is a common misconception due to older, less precise treatments.
The truth is, root canals are actually essential dental treatments that can save your teeth. A root canal removes infection and inflammation from the pulp located on the inside of your tooth. Our modern dental care techniques, sedation dentistry, and additional pain management techniques are in place to ensure you get adequate dental care without any struggle.
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Premolar Endodontic Treatment
At Torrey Dental, we specialize in performing endodontic treatments on premolars. For root canal procedures on molars, we refer our patients to specialized endodontists to ensure the best care.
Discover more about how root canals work and how they can actually help you get relief from pain. Call Torrey Dental to request a consultation for root canal therapy today!
How Root Canals Work
Inside your teeth underneath both the outer enamel layer and the middle dentin layer, there’s a softer tissue: this is called pulp. This soft tissue has blood vessels and nerves, enabling the tooth to grow and develop.
When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and other side effects in addition to possibly spreading to other teeth. The easiest fix is removing the problem. Luckily, a fully formed tooth can function just fine without pulp, so removing this pulp allows you to keep the tooth.
While an inflamed tooth must be addressed, you can get root canal therapy instead of a tooth removal.
Are Root Canals Scary?
During root canal therapy, you’ll receive anesthesia to numb the area. So, while root canals are a more intensive procedure than something like a filling, they aren’t more painful during the process. We’ll also keep you informed of your tooth’s status before, during, and after the procedure, so you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Some patients do notice soreness after the numbness wears off, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Once the treatment is completed, you will be able to drive yourself home.
When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
There are many things that can cause inflammation or infection in the tooth pulp. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Issues from a past filling
- A big or deep cavity
- A cracked tooth
- Traumatic mouth injury
- Genetic predisposition
No matter the underlying cause of the issue, Dr. Torrey and his team will treat the inflammation and offer pain management throughout the procedure.
Sedation Dentistry for Root Canals
Root canal therapy can still make patients feel stressed out, so Torrey Dental offers sedation dentistry services to keep you as relaxed and happy as possible during the treatment.
Our sedation dentistry options include nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, and oral sedation. Laughing gas allows you to stay completely conscious but more relaxed during any dental treatment. Oral sedation is a stronger sedative, so it’s a good option for patients with dental anxieties.
Dr. Torrey will assess your medical history and dental health needs to find a sedation dentistry option you are comfortable with. With sedation dentistry, a root canal can go even faster and make the process easier for you.
Schedule Root Canal Therapy in Pullman
While root canal therapy isn’t as scary as it sounds, you might still be apprehensive. This makes sense! We want to put you at ease, so if you do have questions about this treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out. We will address any concerns and get you started with a consultation.
At your appointment, Dr. Torrey will walk you through the process and ensure you understand the procedure and are comfortable. Get relief from tooth pain with a root canal treatment today!
