Non-surgical Root Canal Treatment in Gig Harbor, WA

What is a root canal treatment? Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. Please call us with any questions about non surgical root canals at our Gig Harbor, Wa. office.

At the center of your tooth is the dental pulp.
Pulp tissue is a collection of blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Inflammation and/or infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of inflammation or infection can be identified as visible injury to the tooth, swelling of the tissues surrounding the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.

How is root canal treatment performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend nonsurgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This treatment usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in over 90% 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 visit or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. Local dental anesthetics are utilized for this procedure and you will be able to drive home after your treatment.

If you would like more information on root canals, or other endodontic procedures in the Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or greater Seattle,WA area please contact us

What happens after treatment?
When your root canal treatment has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your general dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within four to six weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative 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, however, we are available at all times to respond.

How much will it cost?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of treatment needs, 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 an artificial tooth.