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Over 16 million root canal procedures are performed every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is the pulp. Pulp is a collection of connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves that helped build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma, deep decay, fractures, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as a visible injury, swelling, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.
Additional information regarding endodontic treatment can be obtained from the American Association of Endodontists at www.aae.org/patients/patientinfo/faqs/.
We will anesthetize your tooth to eliminate discomfort. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This treatment may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90 percent of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. In addition, oral sedation and nitrous oxide analgesia is available.
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a report of your treatment will be sent to your general dentist. Teeth receiving root canal treatment may require a final filling or crown to protect the tooth from fracture or additional decay. Patients should schedule follow-up appointments with their general dentist to restore root canal treated teeth within one month. Your dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, we are here to help you.
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with a bridge or implant.
2415 NE 134th Street, Suite 311, Vancouver, WA 98686
(360) 576-5066 office (360) 576-5059 fax