Root canal therapy in Portland, OR, is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage inside a tooth’s pulp, which is the soft tissue at the center of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and it can become infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, an infected pulp can lead to abscesses, severe pain, and even tooth loss.

During root canal therapy, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then fills and seals the space. This procedure helps save the tooth from extraction, allowing it to remain functional and intact for many years.

When is Root Canal Therapy Needed?

Root canal therapy is typically recommended when the tooth pulp becomes infected or damaged, which may happen due to:

Deep Tooth Decay

Cavities that are left untreated can grow deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp and causing infection. If a cavity reaches the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.

Trauma or Injury

A blow to the mouth, a fall, or other types of trauma can damage the pulp of a tooth. Even if a tooth doesn’t visibly crack or break, it’s still possible for the pulp to become damaged, necessitating a root canal.

Repeated Dental Procedures

Teeth that have undergone multiple dental procedures or restorations may eventually experience damage to the pulp. This can lead to infection, requiring root canal therapy to prevent further issues.

Symptoms of Infection

If you experience persistent pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth, or a darkened tooth, you may have an infection in the pulp. In such cases, a root canal can alleviate these symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading.

Abscesses or Pus

Abscesses, or pockets of pus, can form at the tip of the root when an infection spreads. Abscesses can cause severe pain and lead to bone loss around the tooth root. A root canal can help remove the infection and prevent further damage.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Some of the signs that indicate you might need a root canal include:

• Persistent tooth pain: The pain may be constant or come and go, but it’s typically more intense when chewing or touching the affected tooth.
• Sensitivity: A tooth that’s highly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, even after the stimulus is removed, could signal an issue with the pulp.
• Swelling and tenderness: Swelling of the gums around a tooth, or tenderness when you touch or apply pressure to the area, may indicate infection.
• Discoloration of the tooth: A tooth that appears darkened or discolored could be a sign that the pulp is damaged or infected.
• Pimple-like bumps on the gums: Abscesses may appear as pimple-like bumps on the gums, which can be a result of infection in the tooth’s pulp.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible to determine whether a root canal is necessary. Contact us to learn more.

The Root Canal Procedure

At Pacific Woods Dental, we take great care to ensure that your root canal therapy is comfortable and effective. The procedure typically involves the following steps:

Initial Consultation and X-rays

Before the root canal procedure, your dentist in Portland, OR will perform a thorough examination of your tooth, including taking X-rays to assess the extent of the damage or infection. The X-rays help the dentist determine the size of the infection and the condition of the surrounding bone structure.

Numbing the Area

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. This will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure, though you may still experience some pressure.

Accessing the Tooth

Once the area is numb, the dentist will create a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. This is where the nerves, blood vessels, and tissue of the tooth are located.

Removing the Infected Pulp

Using small instruments, the dentist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth. This step is crucial to stopping the infection and preventing it from spreading.

Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals

After removing the pulp, the dentist will clean and disinfect the root canals to remove any remaining bacteria and debris. The root canals are then carefully shaped to prepare for the filling.

Filling the Tooth

Once the root canals are cleaned and shaped, the dentist will fill the empty space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material helps seal the tooth and prevent future infection.

Sealing the Tooth

After filling the root canals, the dentist will seal the access hole with a temporary or permanent filling. In most cases, a permanent restoration (such as a dental crown) will be placed on the tooth to provide additional strength and protection.

Post-Procedure Care

After your root canal procedure, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for post-treatment care. You may experience some discomfort or mild soreness for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Here are some additional post-procedure care tips:

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth: Until the permanent restoration (usually a crown) is placed, it’s best to avoid chewing on the treated tooth to prevent damage to the temporary filling.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth regularly, but be gentle around the treated tooth to avoid irritation.
• Monitor for any issues: If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or any unusual symptoms after the procedure, contact your dentist promptly.

The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy in Portland, OR

There are several benefits to undergoing root canal therapy at Pacific Woods Dental, including:

Preservation of Natural Teeth

Root canal therapy allows you to save your natural tooth, avoiding the need for an extraction and the subsequent need for a replacement like a dental implant or bridge.

Pain Relief

One of the most significant benefits of root canal therapy is that it provides relief from the intense pain caused by an infected or inflamed pulp. After the procedure, most patients experience significant pain relief.

Prevention of Infection Spread

By removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, root canal therapy prevents the infection from spreading to other teeth or the jawbone, which can lead to more severe complications.

Restored Functionality

Once the root canal is complete and the tooth is restored with a crown, the tooth can function normally again, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Long-Term Results

With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last for many years, potentially a lifetime. Most patients do not experience further issues with the treated tooth.

Conclusion

Root canal therapy is a safe and effective treatment that can save your tooth and alleviate the pain caused by infection or damage to the pulp. At Pacific Woods Dental in Portland, OR, we are committed to providing exceptional care and helping you maintain a healthy, functional smile. If you think you may need a root canal or if you're experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you preserve your smile and your dental health for years to come!