Root Canal Therapy
What is a root canal?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
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If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy 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 about 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 or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia, if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflammation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
Healed Tooth
Endodontic Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic procedures, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canal therapy are discussed.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few 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. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
How much will it cost?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the 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.
Alderwood Endodontics
Patient Review By Nancy H
This was my first root canal. It ended up being a three visit process over a year + because of Covid shut downs and my procrastination. I never had any real pain. At the end of the appointment today Dr B explained everything in detail. I might have appreciated a little more explanation through the process, since I have never experienced this before. Sometimes I felt he was not happy with his assistant, but I felt comfortable with the job she did. It was a good experience overall.
- Nancy H
Patient Review By Ranee P
Wow - what a great office. This was quite the set up, so upscale from the last root canal I had done several years ago. Top of the line equipment, very very friendly and helpful personnel and a top notch dentist. He had to spend extra time to find the 'calcified' canals. Can't ask for much more.
- Ranee P
Patient Review By Lance A
Great!!
- Lance A
Patient Review By Rizalina P
Top notch service. Thank You
- Rizalina P
Patient Review By Chanthou S
No pain during the procedure except a shot of numbness on my gum. Dr. Wu was so responsible and called to check on me. Overall, I recommend to other who need root canal treatment.
- Chanthou S