Why Choose Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for Root Canal Therapy?
When you’re experiencing tooth pain, you want prompt care from a dental team that genuinely cares about your comfort. At Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our dental team believes every patient deserves clear communication, compassionate treatment, and solutions focused on preserving natural teeth whenever possible.
Choosing Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry means you’ll benefit from:
- Comprehensive dental evaluations
- Modern diagnostic technology
- Gentle, patient-focused care
- Restorative treatments designed to save natural teeth
- Convenient scheduling for busy families
- A trusted dental home for preventive and restorative care
Whether you need routine dental care or treatment for a dental emergency, our team is committed to helping you protect your smile for years to come.
What Are Dental Infections?
A dental infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter a tooth, the gums, or the surrounding tissues and begin causing inflammation or damage.
Inside each tooth is a soft area called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach this inner portion of the tooth, the pulp can become irritated or infected. Without treatment, the infection may continue spreading beyond the tooth and affect nearby gums, bone, and surrounding structures.
Common Causes of Root Canal Infections
Common causes of root canal infections include:
- Deep Tooth Decay: One of the most frequent causes of root canal infections is untreated cavities. As decay progresses deeper into the tooth, bacteria can eventually reach the pulp. Once the pulp becomes infected, a simple filling may no longer be enough to restore the tooth.
- Cracked or Damaged Teeth: A crack in a tooth can create a pathway for bacteria to reach the inner layers. Even small fractures may allow bacteria to enter over time, increasing the risk of infection.
- Dental Trauma: Accidents, sports injuries, or impacts to the mouth can damage the nerve inside a tooth. In some cases, the tooth may become infected weeks, months, or even years after an injury.
- Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple procedures performed on the same tooth can sometimes weaken the tooth structure or irritate the pulp, increasing the chance of inflammation or infection.
- Advanced Tooth Wear: Teeth that experience significant wear from grinding, clenching, or other habits may become more vulnerable to cracks and bacterial exposure.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy treats infection or inflammation inside a tooth while preserving the natural tooth structure. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is a routine procedure that focuses on relieving pain and helping patients maintain their natural smiles.
During a root canal treatment, Dr. Lopez removes the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. The area is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent bacteria from returning.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Knowing the warning signs of a possible tooth infection can help you seek treatment before the problem becomes more severe. While symptoms vary from person to person, certain changes may indicate that the inside of your tooth needs attention.
You may need root canal therapy if you experience:
- Ongoing Tooth Pain: Pain that continues for days or worsens over time may indicate an issue inside the tooth.
- Sensitivity That Lingers: Temporary sensitivity is common, but discomfort that continues after exposure to hot or cold foods may be a warning sign.
- Pain While Chewing: Pressure or biting pain may indicate inflammation around the tooth root.
- Swollen Gums: Swelling near a tooth can be a sign of infection.
- A darkened tooth: Changes in tooth color may occur when the inner nerve tissue is damaged.
- Recurring Dental Abscess: A pimple-like bump on the gums may indicate infection draining from the tooth.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain in Spokane, WA, call Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (509) 466-1200 to schedule an appointment.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal Treatment
Step 1: Comprehensive Examination and Diagnosis
Before beginning root canal therapy, Dr. Lopez will perform a thorough evaluation to determine what is causing your symptoms. This may include discussing your dental history, examining the affected tooth, and taking digital X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface.
This detailed evaluation helps identify:
- The location and severity of the infection
- Whether the tooth can be saved with root canal treatment
- The condition of the surrounding bone and tissues
- The best way to restore the tooth after treatment
Step 2: Keeping You Comfortable During Treatment
Patient comfort is a major part of the root canal experience at Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Before treatment begins, the area around the tooth will be numbed with local anesthesia to help you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
During your appointment, you can expect:
- Sedation dentistry options
- A comfortable treatment environment
- Clear explanations from the dental team
- Time to ask questions
- Gentle care throughout the procedure
Step 3: Removing the Infected Tooth Pulp
Inside each tooth is a small chamber that contains pulp tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach this area, the pulp can become infected or inflamed.
During root canal therapy, Dr. Lopez carefully accesses the inside of the tooth and removes the damaged pulp. Removing this infected tissue helps stop the source of discomfort while allowing the remaining tooth structure to stay in place.
Step 4: Cleaning and Sealing the Tooth
After the infected tissue has been removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The root canals are then filled with a special material designed to seal the space and help prevent future infection.
After sealing, the tooth is restored to help it regain strength and function. Depending on the location and condition of the tooth, Dr. Lopez may recommend a dental crown to provide additional protection.
Step 5: Restoring Your Tooth After Treatment
A tooth that receives root canal therapy may need additional support because it has lost some internal structure. A dental crown can help protect the tooth from damage and allow you to bite and chew normally.
Your final restoration helps:
- Strengthen the treated tooth
- Restore normal chewing function
- Improve appearance
- Protect against future damage
- Support long-term tooth health
Aftercare Tips for Root Canal Surgery
After your root canal procedure, proper care helps support healing and protect your restored tooth. While root canal therapy has a high success rate, maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s recommendations are important for long-term results.
After treatment, consider these care tips:
- Follow any medication instructions provided by Dr. Lopez.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your final restoration is complete.
- Brush and floss regularly to keep the area clean.
- Attend follow-up appointments as recommended.
- Avoid chewing extremely hard foods that may damage your restoration.
- Contact our dental office if you experience unusual swelling, discomfort, or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal procedure take at Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most root canal procedures are completed in 60 to 90 minutes. Thanks to our in-office CEREC technology, Dr. Lopez can often place your permanent protective crown during the same visit, allowing you to leave our office with a fully restored tooth.
Will I feel pain after my root canal treatment?
You may experience mild tenderness or jaw sensitivity for a few days following treatment as the surrounding tissue heals. This mild discomfort responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. The severe, sharp pain caused by the original infection disappears immediately after the procedure.
Can I drive myself home after receiving a root canal?
If you receive standard local anesthesia, you can safely drive yourself home or return to work immediately after your visit. However, if you choose oral conscious sedation to help manage dental anxiety, you must have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from our office.
What is the average cost of a root canal in Spokane?
Root canal costs vary depending on which tooth needs care (molars have more root canals than front teeth) and the complexity of the infection. Our team accepts most major insurance plans and offers flexible payment options like CareCredit to keep your restorative care manageable and transparent.
Rediscover Pain-Free Living: Schedule Your Visit Today
Living with tooth pain drains your physical energy, distracts you from your family, and robs you of everyday joy. You do not have to tough it out or suffer through another sleepless night. Gentle, effective relief is right around the corner.
At Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our warm, compassionate team is dedicated to treating you with the dignity, patience, and high-caliber care you deserve. We take time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and restore your smile without stress.
Take the first step toward lasting relief. Call our Spokane dentistry office at (509) 466-1200 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lopez.