A root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the pulp, a soft tissue located inside of a tooth. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that facilitates the tooth’s growth.
The procedure is necessary when a tooth’s nerve is inflamed or infected due to a crack, chip, or advanced tooth decay.
Dr. Meenakshi Tomar, DDS, at Pacific Highway Dental in Kent, Washington, performs restorative and cosmetic treatments to keep you smiling, pain and worry-free. Keep reading to learn more about how Dr. Tomar performs root canal procedures.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
To understand when a root canal procedure is needed, you first need to understand what goes on inside your tooth.
As mentioned, the pulp is a crucial part of your tooth. When it is damaged, it allows for bacteria to spread and multiply in the pulp chamber. When left untreated, this bacteria can cause an infection and lead to an abscessed tooth.
Some of the other situations that can make a root canal procedure necessary are:
- Tooth injury
- Teeth that require several dental procedures
- Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity
- Chips or cracks in the tooth
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Each root canal procedure involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: For starters, Dr. Tomar will numb your gums by administering an anesthetic. You are likely to feel a pinch, but the sensation will pass quickly.
- Pulp Removal: Next, Dr. Tomar will make a tiny hole in the top part of the tooth to remove the pulp.
- Sealing: After the pulp is removed, Dr. Tomar will seal the hole with a sealant paste called gutta-percha.
- Temporary Filling: Lastly, Dr. Tomar will apply a temporary filling to the tooth to prevent any further damage. On your next visit a few days later, our team will remove the temporary filling and replace it with a permanent one.
If you need a root canal procedure in Kent, Washington, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Tomar and our team at Pacific Highway Dental. To get in touch, call (253) 529-9434 or visit our office at 27020 Pacific Highway South, Suite C, Kent, WA 98032.