Toothaches don’t happen the day of your dental appointment, but the day you develop a toothache, you should call Cowlitz River Dental for a same-day emergency appointment. Our Castle Rock dental team emphasizes preventive dentistry to preserve oral health and natural dental structure. One of the best ways to ensure our team is able to repair your smile is to contact Cowlitz River Dental as soon as a toothache occurs. The sooner we diagnose and treat the cause of your toothache, the less likely it is we will have to remove and replace the affected tooth. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms of potentially damaging toothache causes, and when to reach out to our team for emergency care.
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Relieve the Pain of Your Toothache – Call Your Dentist near Longview
November 12, 2015
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Endodontics, or Root Canal Therapy, in Castle Rock, WA
March 25, 2015
No one needs to tell you that if you’re in pain, something is wrong. If that pain happens to be a toothache, then the pain may indicate the presence of infection. To save an infected tooth, endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, is necessary. Dr. L. Blaine Kennington at Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, gently performs root canal therapy so you can eliminate the pain and save your tooth.
To understand the need for a root canal, let’s first examine the structure of a tooth, which consists of three layers. The first is called enamel, the hard and protective outer shell that surrounds each tooth. Next is the dentin, the softer and more sensitive middle layer. Finally, at the core of each tooth is dental pulp, which is comprised of nerve and lymph tissue as well as blood vessels. If this pulp becomes exposed to bacteria—whether through extreme decay or a traumatic injury to the tooth—the tooth can become infected and begin to die.
Other than a toothache, signs that indicate you may have an infected tooth include swelling of the gum and facial tissue around the tooth; a newly discolored tooth; and visible indications of infection on an x-ray.
The Endodontic Procedure
To begin a root canal, Dr. Kennington gently anesthetizes the tooth and surrounding tissue so the procedure is completely painless. Then, the tooth’s pulp is exposed and the pulp chamber and associated root canals are cleaned of infection and any accompanying debris. A biocompatible anti-bacterial material is inserted into the chamber and the tooth is sealed. To protect the tooth, Dr. Kennington will likely want to place a crown. When the root canal procedure is completed, you’ll have a strong and healthy tooth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’re having any of the symptoms mentioned above that indicate an infected tooth, then call Cowlitz River Dental and ask about our endodontic treatment. We serve patients in Castle Rock, WA, as well as from Kelso, Longview and Lewis County and the surrounding area.
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Restore and Preserve Your Natural Teeth with Root Canal Therapy Near Longview, WA
March 11, 2014
Root canal therapy has gained a substantial amount of notoriety among the general population, evoking dread and a fear of immense pain. Fortunately, today’s endodontic technology allows us to perform this often necessary procedure with ease and minimal discomfort to the patient. At Cowlitz River Dental in Castle Rock, WA, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington and his experienced team of dental professionals offer root canal therapy to protect your natural teeth from the threat of advanced decay.
Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
When a cavity is left untreated for an extended period of time, the decay can spread throughout the tooth and down into the pulp (the living portion of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels). The result is a painful, often excruciating sensation that can interfere with your daily activities. In addition, your tooth as a whole may be compromised, leading to the need for extraction to prevent further damage.
Fortunately, root canal therapy from Dr. Kennington near Longview, WA can help you keep your natural teeth intact and eliminate any infection present. The bacteria inhabiting the decayed site will be removed completely and the root’s canal, now clean, will be filled and covered with a durable crown to restore function. Throughout the entire process, our team will ensure that you feel as calm and comfortable as possible. In fact, many patients feel so relaxed and comfortable that they actually fall asleep! This single endodontic procedure can help you avoid the trouble and expense of having a tooth not only removed entirely, but replaced as well.
Root Canal Therapy for Improved Oral Health
Not all beautiful smiles are healthy; even if there is no visible sign of damage or decay when you look at your teeth, persistent pain and swelling indicate that there may be a problem deep within. A visual exam and x-rays conducted at our Castle Rock, WA office will help determine whether or not root canal therapy is necessary to preserve the affected tooth. Conveniently located near Longview, WA, Cowlitz River Dental warmly welcomes patients from in and around northwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington, including Kelso, Lewis County, Saint Helens, and more. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health and comfort.