Root Canal Therapy in Moses Lake, WA
Root canals have a reputation they do not deserve. Most patients who come in expecting a difficult experience leave surprised by how manageable it was. Modern techniques and effective anesthesia have made root canal therapy significantly more comfortable than its reputation suggests, and the procedure itself relieves the kind of pain that brought you in.
Dr. Nick Smith, DDS, performs root canal therapy at Moses Lake Family Dentistry for anterior teeth, bicuspids, and molars. If you have a tooth that is causing significant pain, sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers, swelling, or discoloration, call 509-765-4351. These are common signs that the inner portion of the tooth, called the pulp, may be infected or inflamed and in need of treatment.
Do not put off tooth pain. Call 509-765-4351 to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment. We will find out what is causing your pain and walk you through your options.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Every tooth contains a chamber called the pulp, which holds nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth down through the roots via canals. When decay, a crack, a chip, or repeated dental procedures allow bacteria to reach the pulp, infection can develop. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and tissue.
Root canal therapy removes the infected or inflamed pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals the space to prevent reinfection. The tooth itself stays in place. Most treated teeth function normally for many years afterward.
Symptoms That May Indicate You Need a Root Canal
- Persistent, throbbing tooth pain
- Severe sensitivity to hot or cold that does not go away after the temperature source is removed
- Pain when biting or chewing on a specific tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue near a tooth
- A pimple-like bump (dental abscess) on the gum
- Tooth discoloration, particularly darkening
- A tooth that previously had a filling or crown and is now causing new pain
Not every tooth with these symptoms will require a root canal. The only way to know for certain is an exam with X-rays. If Dr. Smith finds that the pulp is healthy or that the symptoms are caused by something else, he will tell you clearly what is actually going on and what the appropriate treatment is.
The Root Canal Process
Diagnosis and X-Rays
At your appointment, Dr. Smith examines the tooth and takes digital X-rays. The X-rays show the shape of the roots, the condition of the surrounding bone, and whether infection has spread beyond the tooth itself. He may use additional tests to check pulp vitality. Based on this information, he determines whether root canal therapy is the right course of treatment.
Anesthesia and Comfort
The tooth and surrounding tissue are thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia before any work begins. Most patients are surprised to find that this step is not much different from getting a filling. Nitrous oxide sedation is available for patients who want additional relaxation during the procedure. If dental anxiety is a concern for you, let us know when you call so we can plan your appointment accordingly.
Removing the Pulp
Once the area is numb, Dr. Smith creates a small opening through the crown of the tooth. The infected or inflamed pulp tissue is removed from the pulp chamber and canals using small, precise instruments. The canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling.
Filling and Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals the space and reduces the risk of reinfection. A temporary filling is placed to close the opening while the tooth heals.
Crown Placement
A root canal-treated tooth has had its internal structure removed, which can make it more brittle over time. In most cases, Dr. Smith recommends a crown to protect the tooth and restore its full biting strength. The crown is typically placed at a separate appointment after the root canal has healed. Skipping the crown significantly increases the risk of the tooth fracturing.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is infected or badly damaged, patients sometimes ask whether pulling the tooth is a simpler solution. In many cases, saving the tooth with a root canal is the better long-term choice, for several reasons.
A missing tooth creates a gap that can cause neighboring teeth to shift over time, changes to the bite, and bone loss in the jaw where the root used to be. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture also adds cost and additional treatment steps. If the tooth can be saved, preserving it typically results in a more stable outcome.
That said, not every tooth is worth saving. If a tooth is too severely damaged or has structural problems that would make restoration unreliable, extraction may genuinely be the better option. Dr. Smith discusses both possibilities with you and gives you his honest assessment.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
Some tenderness and mild discomfort in the days following root canal therapy is normal. The tooth and surrounding tissue were recently treated, and healing takes a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any post-procedure soreness.
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your crown is in place. A temporary filling is not as strong as a crown and can be damaged by heavy chewing. Most patients return to normal activity the day after treatment.
If you develop increasing pain, swelling, or notice that the temporary filling has come out, call us at 509-765-4351 right away.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of root canal therapy varies based on which tooth is being treated. Anterior (front) teeth have fewer canals and are typically less involved than molars, which may have three or more canals. A crown placed afterward adds to the total cost.
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for root canal therapy. Delta Dental, which we are in-network with, typically covers a portion of endodontic treatment. Our team reviews your benefits and gives you a clear estimate before treatment begins. Cherry financing is available if you need to spread the cost over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
Is a root canal painful?
Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure itself should not be painful. Most patients describe the experience as similar to getting a filling. The tooth may be tender for a few days after treatment, but the pain that brought you in, caused by the infection, is typically resolved quickly once the pulp is removed.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal on a front tooth or bicuspid typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. A molar root canal may take longer due to the complexity of the root system. In some cases, Dr. Smith may split the treatment across two appointments, particularly for molars or when an infection needs time to settle.
What happens if I do not get a root canal?
The infection causing your symptoms will not resolve on its own. Without treatment, it will continue to spread, destroying the bone and tissue around the tooth. The tooth will eventually need extraction, and the infection may spread to neighboring teeth. Acting sooner rather than later leads to a better outcome and typically a less complex treatment.
Can I eat after a root canal?
You should avoid eating until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. After that, eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side until your crown is placed. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods should be avoided on that tooth.
Do not live with tooth pain. Call 509-765-4351 to schedule at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. We offer same-day emergency appointments when available.