Do you have a severely damaged tooth? It is tempting to have it pulled to solve the problem; however, that should only be used as a last resort. Dr. Megan McInnis can save it with a root canal in Portland. Although over 15 million are performed annually, they are only recommended when there are no other viable treatments to save your tooth. When performed by a qualified and experienced dentist, like Dr. McInnis, root canals have a 95% success rate. While you might be hesitant to undergo the treatment because it has a bad reputation for being painful, you have nothing to fear. Our office uses the latest innovations in dentistry to ensure your comfort.
A root canal is an endodontic procedure used to extract the inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp. This stops the spread of the infection to reinstate its health. A custom-made dental crown is placed over it to give it an added layer of protection with restoring its function and appearance.
Root canal therapy is among the most common restorative treatments that are now no worse than a traditional filling thanks to new advancements in dentistry. There are some signs you may need the procedure to save your tooth from extraction, such as:
Dr. McInnis performs a comprehensive consultation to ensure the procedure is in your best interest. She creates the customized treatment plan you need to stop your pain.
After diagnostic imaging and your consultation, you are scheduled for the first phase of your treatment. The areas of damage and your pulp are removed using special dental tools. Your tooth is sterilized and sealed using a material called gutta-percha. Now, your tooth’s health is restored to allow it to stay in place for several years with the right aftercare.
Dr. McInnis takes a digital impression of your tooth to create your dental crown. It is designed to meet your exact size, shape, and color needs to look like a real tooth to blend in with your smile. The information is sent to the dental lab where it is made from all-ceramic material to meet your exact specifications. This can take a couple of weeks, so Dr. McInnis attaches a temporary crown in the meantime. After your final restoration is ready, you return to our office to have it bonded to your tooth.
It is normal to experience some tenderness for a few days after your procedure; however, it will dissipate quickly. You can use an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage any discomfort.
If you have a damaged or infected tooth, do not have it pulled! Your dentist in Portland can save it with root canal therapy. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.