No one needs to tell you that if you’re in pain, something is wrong. If that pain happens to be a toothache, then the pain may indicate the presence of infection. To save an infected tooth, endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, is necessary. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, gently performs root canal therapy so you can eliminate the pain and save your tooth.

To understand the need for a root canal, let’s first examine the structure of a tooth, which consists of three layers. The first is called enamel, the hard and protective outer shell that surrounds each tooth. Next is the dentin, the softer and more sensitive middle layer. Finally, at the core of each tooth is dental pulp, which is comprised of nerve and lymph tissue as well as blood vessels. If this pulp becomes exposed to bacteria—whether through extreme decay or a traumatic injury to the tooth—the tooth can become infected and begin to die.

Other than a toothache, signs that indicate you may have an infected tooth include swelling of the gum and facial tissue around the tooth; a newly discolored tooth; and visible indications of infection on an x-ray.

The Endodontic Procedure

To begin a root canal, Dr. Kennington gently anesthetizes the tooth and surrounding tissue so the procedure is completely painless. Then, the tooth’s pulp is exposed and the pulp chamber and associated root canals are cleaned of infection and any accompanying debris. A biocompatible anti-bacterial material is inserted into the chamber and the tooth is sealed. To protect the tooth, Dr. Kennington will likely want to place a crown. When the root canal procedure is completed, you’ll have a strong and healthy tooth.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re having any of the symptoms mentioned above that indicate an infected tooth, then call Cowlitz River Dental and ask about our endodontic treatment. We serve patients in Castle Rock, WA, as well as from Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.