What is a Root Canal?
A root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures with well over 14 million performed every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
Your tooth consists of two main parts: the crown, which is that part of the tooth above the gum and visible in your mouth; and the root or roots, which is that part of the tooth that lies beneath the gum and is surrounded by bone. Inside each root is a channel that runs the length of the tooth. This channel is the root canal and contains the pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue), which is often referred to as the “nerve” of the tooth. The pulp may be irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay, very deep restorations, fractures, trauma, or periodontal disease.
Common signs and symptoms of an infected root canal system may include:
- Pain with chewing
- Lingering pain with cold or hot food or drink
- Spontaneous tooth pain
- A pimple-like bump on the gums above or below the tooth
- Swelling of the cheek or gums near the affected tooth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, we will most likely recommend non-surgical root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. The tooth and it's roots remain functional and intact.
Our Endodontist
Dr. Shahin Etemadi is a Board Certified endodontist who has completed all phases of certification by the American Board of Endodontics, thus becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. Dr. Etemadi joins us from his primary practice location, Lakeside Endodontics, in Everett, WA. He is a trusted and highly regarded specialist.
Dr. Shahin Etemadi's practice is limited to endodontic services including Root Canal Treatment, Root Canal Retreatment, and Microendodontic Surgery.
The Procedure
Root Canal therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. 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.
Your comfort is our priority. Enjoy music of your choice or the use of a personal entertainment system while you have your treatment completed.
3D Diagnostic Imaging
3D Images from Cone Beam Tomography
3D imaging allows the endodontist to visualize the complex internal anatomy of the entire root canal system and it's surrounding structures thus enhancing the accuracy of treatment. This state of the art technology allows three-dimensional visualization of teeth, bone, sinuses and surrounding structures with minimal radiation to the patient, enabling a level of anatomical accuracy and patient care not possible with 2-D technologies (regular dental x-rays).
In addition to the 3D images of your tooth, a surgical microscope is used during treatment. The surgical microscope provides unparalleled magnification and illumination for your procedure.
The Gentlewave Procedure
Effectively cleaning the deepest, most complex portions of the root canal system is challenging.
GentleWave is the most advanced and sophisticated technology that utilizes fluid dynamics and broad spectrum acoustic energy that allows us to clean and disinfect the root canal system.
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