Emergency Visits

root canal pain, toothache treatment Federal WayAll appointments start with a consultation exam. However, an emergency appointment can be made if you are in too much pain and cannot wait to schedule a two hour appointment.

The doctor can perform a procedure which opens the tooth to remove the nerve, then packs the tooth with medication, and finally places a temporary filling. This procedure significantly reduces pain and starts the healing process until you are able to return to finish the root canal.

If you live in or around Federal Way and are experiencing tooth ache, call us today!

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Federal Way endodontistIf you are reading this page, it probably means that your general dentist has referred you to see an Endodontist for consultation and/or treatment on one or more of your teeth. You may be thinking, “what is an Endodontist and why am I being referred?”

An Endodontist is a dental specialist who deals with diseases of the dental pulp an its supporting structures. You might be experiencing pain to hot or cold temperatures, biting, swelling, gum sensitivity, discoloration of the tooth, or you may have no symptoms at all. These symptoms are most often due to deep decay, trauma, fractures, or repeated dental procedures.

There are several ways in which Endodontists save teeth, but the most common procedure is called root canal treatment. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal treatment—.  You’’re not alone. Moreover, you’’re in good hands.  All Endodontists complete two years of post doctorate education to become a specialist. That’s approximately 10 years of college.

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first root canal visitYour first appointment with our office is generally a consultation. Make sure to show up for your appointment 10 minutes early to fill out any necessary paperwork. To help you fill out these forms properly, remember to bring your insurance card, subscriber information, and a referral from your general dentist. Bring a list of medications you are taking and any allergies that you may have.

During your consultation, we review the existing structure to create a personalized plan for you. Unfortunately, not all teeth can be saved by root canal treatment. If the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, or the tooth doesn’’t have adequate bone support, then there is a possibility that the tooth cannot be saved.

Clinical testing will be done on the affected tooth to arrive at a diagnosis. This process starts with a digital x-ray of the tooth. The
tooth is then tested for pain to bite, palpation, percussion, cold, and heat sensitivity. The doctor will assess the mobility of the tooth and the health of the surrounding gum tissue. It is highly important NOT TO TAKE PAIN KILLERS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. Taking pain killers will mask your symptoms; therefore, making your clinical tests invalid.

Once a diagnosis is made by the doctor, a treatment plan will be presented to you. A quote will be given to you explaining your insurance benefits and financial responsibilities. Then an appointment will be made for your root canal treatment.

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Please select the procedure you received to see a summary of post-op instructions. Call us if you have any questions:

Root Canal Treatment:

1- You may experience moderate pain and sensitivity to pressure on your tooth. Also, you may feel gum soreness for a few days after your treatment. The healing process may take several days, but the pain and discomfort should subside gradually.

2- Take any medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.

3- Usually a temporary filling has been placed on your tooth. Do not bite down on the tooth for one hour and while you are numb. Also, until the permanent restoration is placed, be very gentle with the tooth. Try to chew with the opposite side.

4- Continue your brushing and flossing.

5- Follow up with the placement of your permanent restoration as you have been advised. Any unnecessary delay in placement of the final restoration may damage the tooth permanently.

6- Call our office if you are in severe pain or experience swelling, or if you have any questions.


Apicoectomy (Root Canal Surgery):

1- Swelling, minor pain, and/or skin discoloration may be experienced following the surgical procedure. This will be temporary.

2- In order to keep the swelling to a minimum, use an ice pack for the first few hours after surgery (on for 15 minutes and off for 15 minutes).

3- Use the prescribed mouth rinse as instructed until the sutures are removed.

4- Eat only soft foods. Avoid hard and chewy foods.

5- Get plenty of rest and ensure normal intake of food, especially liquids such as fruit juices, soup, and milk. Try not to sleep on the treated area for 2-3 days.

6- DO NOT raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.

7- DO NOT brush your teeth near the surgical site, unless you are instructed to do so. Brush and floss the rest of your teeth as normal.

8- There is occasionally a temporary loss of feeling in the operated area and the tooth may feel loose.

9- Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.

10- Should any difficulties occur, do not hesitate to call our office anytime. In case of serious emergencies, call 911.

Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that are responsible for forming the dentin and enamel during tooth development.

root canal in Federal WayThe pulp can become inflamed or infected if you have a large cavity, a fractured tooth or repeated dental procedures. Trauma can also cause inflammation.  Your dentist can explain the exact reason for damage to this tissue. In these cases, the treatment is usually root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the inflamed or infected tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed with special materials. Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. After your root canal treatment is complete, your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on your tooth to safeguard against fracture.

If you live in or around Federal Way and have any questions about root canal treatment, give us a call today!

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failed root canal treatment
With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.  But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn’t heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment.  If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, you have a second chance. An additional procedure may be able to support healing and save your tooth.

During retreatment, an endodontist will reopen your tooth and remove the filling materials that were placed in the root canals during the first procedure.  The tooth is then carefully examined for additional canals or new infection.  The endodontist then removes any infection, cleans and shapes the canals, and places new filling materials.  Once the tooth heals, a new crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it.

If you live in or around Federal Way and have any questions about complications with root canal treatments, give us a call today!

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When you call our office, a friendly voice will be able to guide you through scheduling your appointment. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, let our staff know. We will make sure we do everything possible to get you seen by the doctor as soon as possible.

When you come for your appointment, here is a list of questions that we will ask you to prepare prior to your visit:

  • Who is your dental insurance provider?
  • Who is the primary subscriber on your dental insurance?
  • What is the primary subscriber’s date of birth?
  • What is the primary subscriber’s identification number?
  • Who is your general dentist?
  • What is your general dentist’s telephone number?
  • Do you have any medical conditions that require you to take an antibiotic prior to being treated by a dentist?

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