An infected root canal can be painful and lead to tooth loss if not treated. We offer compassionate care and the expert treatment you need

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Root Canals

Root canals have long been one of the most feared procedures in dentistry.

Today, dentistry has evolved to the point where root canal therapy is no longer the painful procedure it once was. It’s time to look past the bad reputation of the root canal and see it for the valuable, pain-relieving procedure it actually is.

Root Canal Therapy

The root canal is the area of the tooth that houses the pulp and the nerve. Sometimes this part of the tooth can become infected.

When this happens, not only is the tooth extremely painful and sensitive, the infection can also spread to other areas of the mouth and to other teeth. The most effective way to treat this infection is root canal therapy.

Once the anesthetic takes hold and you are completely numb, your dentist will create a small hole in your tooth. Working through the hole, the infected material will be drained out along with the pulp and any other debris. The interior of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned out to make sure that no infection is left. An antibiotic medication may be placed inside the tooth to prevent further infection.

Your tooth will then be filled and a cap or crown will be placed. This is necessary because the structure of the tooth will be weakened, and a restoration will protect the tooth from breakage and also allow you to chew comfortably.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

If you have been experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call our office immediately. You may have an infection and could require treatment.

Severe pain in one or more teeth
Pain that is aggravated by chewing or other pressure
Pain and sensitivity aggravated by hot or cold temperatures
Darkening of one or more teeth
A raised bump on the gums
Swelling and tenderness in the gums that may radiate to the cheek

Call our office to make an appointment. Root canal therapy may be necessary to get rid of your pain and reduce your stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my root canal hurt?

The techniques used to perform root canals have advanced considerably, making this routine procedure no more uncomfortable or inconvenient than a filling. Many people who need a root canal are currently in pain, and a root canal will relieve your pain and save your tooth. After your procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this will go away quickly.

Why is a root canal necessary?

When the interior of your tooth is infected, it can cause a lot of pain and is likely to damage the nerve. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other teeth. Root canal therapy removes the infection and relieves the pain, restoring the tooth and allowing us to save it.

What happens during a root canal?

Understanding the process can often remove a great deal of the fear surrounding dental procedures. During a root canal, the goals of treatment are to stop the infection, prevent further damage, and relieve your pain.

We begin by making sure that you are numb and comfortable. The next step is to open your tooth. We then use special instruments to carefully and thoroughly clean out the infection from your tooth and remove the infected or damaged nerve. If necessary, we may place an antibiotic treatment to prevent re-infection.

The cavity in your tooth will be filled and sealed, and a crown may be placed. You may experience some soreness following the procedure as part of your body’s natural reaction to any type of perceived injury, but this will quickly fade and you will feel much better.

Meet Our Doctor:

Tyler Rumple DDS

“I love my job as a dentist because I have the privilege of developing long-lasting relationships with my patients and creating beautiful, healthy smiles.”

Dr. Tyler Rumple received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University then attended the University of Washington, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

As a native of Smokey Point, Dr. Rumple has strong ties to the community. He attended Lakewood High School and received a full-tuition scholarship for dental school from the US Navy. After earning his dental degree, Dr. Rumple served ...