Root Canal Therapy
Bellevue, WA
Regular brushing, flossing and dental visits for cleanings and exams are critical components of maintaining optimal oral health. Neglecting your oral care, skipping appointments, or ignoring symptoms of a potential issue can lead to serious consequences, including tooth infection. Infections not only cause pain but can lead to more serious health conditions. At A Smiling Heart Dentistry, we treat tooth infections and restore your oral health with root canal therapy.
What is a Root Canal?
Although your teeth are strong, damage such as cracks or decay can allow bacteria to reach the inner layers of your teeth. Once bacteria access the pulp—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels—they cause inflammation and infection.
Root canal therapy is the only way to remove this infection without extracting the tooth. During the procedure, we remove the infected pulp, disinfect the tooth’s interior, and seal it with a crown to restore strength and prevent further infection.
Symptoms of Infection
- Severe tooth pain
- Facial swelling near the affected area
- Lingering pain or sensitivity
- Bone loss in the jaw
- A dental abscess, which can only be diagnosed through a dental exam and X-ray
Diagnosing and Treating an Infected Tooth
We begin by performing a comprehensive exam, checking for signs of decay, inflammation, or abscesses with the help of digital X-rays. Once diagnosed, we create a personalized treatment plan based on your condition.
After numbing the area with local anesthetic—and sedation if needed—we access the inside of the tooth, remove the infected pulp, shape the canals, and disinfect the interior. The tooth is then filled with gutta percha and sealed with a dental crown crafted in our in-house lab. This crown restores the tooth’s function and prevents future infection.
If you notice symptoms of an infection, don’t wait. Contact A Smiling Heart Dentistry today at (425) 558-9998 to schedule your appointment and protect your smile.