Pacific Northwest Smiles provides root canal treatment in Mill Creek, WA, when a tooth’s inner tissue is damaged or infected. Dr. Darren Greenhalgh, DDS, performs most root canals in our office, including front teeth and molars. Some more complex cases are referred to a specialist (an endodontist).
If you have tooth pain or swelling, call us at (425) 357-6400 or request an appointment.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
A root canal treats the pulp inside the tooth — the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp can become irritated or infected after a deep cavity, a crack or chip, or an injury, even if the tooth still looks intact from the outside.
Signs that you may need an evaluation include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when you chew or touch the tooth, swollen or tender gums, a darkened tooth, swelling in the face or jaw, or a pimple-like bump on the gums.
These symptoms can also point to a tooth abscess, which needs prompt care because the infection can spread. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care. For urgent dental pain or swelling, call (425) 357-6400 or see our emergency dentistry page. Our post on how serious a tooth abscess can be has more detail.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment
Your visit starts with an exam. Dr. Greenhalgh will review your symptoms and may take dental X-rays to look at the root and the bone around it. He will then explain whether a root canal is likely to save the tooth, whether an extraction is a better option, or whether a more complex case should be referred to an endodontist.
If treatment proceeds in our office, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. A small opening is made in the tooth so the damaged or infected pulp can be removed and the canals can be cleaned and sealed. A temporary or protective filling may be placed, and many teeth later need a crown for strength.
Treatment time depends on which tooth is involved and how many canals it has. A typical appointment is often about 60 to 90 minutes. More complex cases may take longer or more than one visit.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
The procedure is done with local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable while the infected tissue is removed. Many patients find it similar to having a filling, though the appointment usually lasts longer. Afterward, the tooth and nearby gums can feel tender for a few days. If pain is severe or getting worse, call us.
Take it easy with the treated tooth until it is fully restored, especially if a temporary filling is in place. Avoid chewing hard foods on that side until Dr. Greenhalgh says the tooth is ready. If swelling, fever, or pain increases, call the office.
If dental anxiety is a concern, we also offer sleep dentistry, including oral sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Ask us whether one of those options may be appropriate. Our post Are Root Canals Painful? has a longer discussion of comfort during and after treatment.
Root Canal vs. Extraction
Whenever we can, we prefer to save a natural tooth. A root canal removes the infected tissue and leaves the tooth in place. Extraction is recommended when a tooth is too damaged to restore. If a tooth does need to come out, we offer tooth extractions and can talk with you about replacement options, including dental implants.
A Crown After a Root Canal
After a root canal, especially on a molar, a crown is often recommended to protect the tooth and restore strength. For many patients, including those who need a molar treated, a permanent CEREC crown can be placed at the same appointment as the root canal, when that is appropriate. Not every tooth is a candidate for a same-day crown; we will examine the tooth and explain the plan.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing
Cost depends on the tooth and the work involved, so we do not publish a single price. We accept cash, credit and debit cards, and insurance, and financing options are available. We work with most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Premera Blue Cross, and UnitedHealthcare, and can help verify benefits before treatment. If you have Delta Dental or Premera Blue Cross, those pages have more detail. You can also make a payment online if you already have a balance.
Visit Our Mill Creek Office
Our office is at 15130 Main St Ste 210, Mill Creek, WA 98012. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; closed Friday through Sunday. Free parking is available, and Suite 210 is reached by elevator and is wheelchair accessible. See our contact page for directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs I may need a root canal?
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, swollen or tender gums, a darkened tooth, or facial swelling are reasons to have the tooth examined. These symptoms can also come from an abscess, which needs prompt care.
Do root canals hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia first. Many patients compare the visit to having a filling, though it usually takes longer. Mild tenderness for a few days is common. Call us if pain is severe or worsening.
How long does a root canal take?
A typical appointment is often about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and the number of canals. Some cases take longer or more than one visit.
Is a root canal better than pulling the tooth?
When the tooth can be restored, a root canal is often the way to keep it. Extraction is recommended when the tooth is too damaged to save. Dr. Greenhalgh will explain both options after the exam.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes — especially on a molar — so the tooth is strong enough to chew. For many patients, including molars, a permanent CEREC crown can be placed at the same appointment as the root canal, when that is appropriate.
Do you accept insurance for root canal treatment?
We accept most major dental insurance plans and can help verify benefits and estimate your portion before treatment. Cash, credit and debit cards, and financing options are also available.
Schedule a Root Canal Evaluation
If you think you may need a root canal, call us at (425) 357-6400 or request an appointment.