5/5

Root Canal Therapy – Tukwila, WA

Preserving and Disinfecting Natural Teeth

  • Preserve Natural Teeth and Avoid Extractions
  • Restore Proper Chewing Functionality
  • Prevent Infection from Spreading
  • Regain Confidence in Your Smile
  • Prolong the Lifespan of Your Teeth
  • One of the last lines of defense when it comes to preserving a tooth is root canal therapy for Tukwila, WA patients.. Root canals restore a tooth with severe decay from the inside out, that is, they involve removing the infected nerve tissue and placing a filling material inside of the tooth. This eliminates the diseased tissues and infection, disinfects the tooth, and prevents the tooth from eroding from the inside.

    Why Choose South Seattle Smiles for Root Canal Therapy?

    Over 20 Years of Experience and Advanced Training
    Skilled Dental Team with a Gentle Touch
    Sedation Available for Anxious Patients

    The Root Canal Treatment Process

    Having a root canal is no different than most other dental treatments. It starts with a proper and complete diagnosis to determine which tooth is problematic (it isn’t always obvious) and the extent of the issue, as sometimes the damage is so significant that the tooth cannot be saved. The screening tests may include: percussion (tapping), palpation (lightly rubbing a gloved finger in the area), probing (determining pocket depth of the tissues surrounding the tooth), mobility (does it wiggle?), thermal tests, and X-ray evaluation.

    Cleaning and Shaping

    After the length of the canal is determined, mechanical shaping of the canal is done. This is completed by using incrementally larger files. Dr. Timmerman uses a rotating file system so that the canal is cleaned and shaped precisely. In between each file, an antibacterial liquid is flushed into the system to wash away the bacteria and particles of shaved tooth. This helps to kill the infection.

    Disinfection

    Mechanical cleaning and shaping are very important, but chemical irrigation is key to disinfecting the tooth. There are many products that can be used, and Dr. Timmerman prefers a combination of materials to make sure the tooth has been disinfected as much as possible. Some bacteria are killed with certain specific methods and others are not. By using a combination, the hope is that the entire spectrum is addressed.

    Filling

    After a canal has been cleaned, shaped, and disinfected, it must then be filled. The term dentists use is “obturation.” A sealer (imagine caulking) coats a gutta percha “cone,” a rubber-like material that is often used at the core of golf balls (fun fact). This prevents re-infection of the root canal system by hermetically sealing the canal and gives the root of the tooth increased strength.

    Final Crown

    If a tooth is treated with root canal therapy but NOT restored with a final restoration (crown, onlay, or whatever is determined as necessary), the tooth can still be lost. The hollowing out process of the therapy leaves a weaker tooth that is prone to fracture. Unprotected teeth that have had RCT can sometimes crack or break in such a way that the tooth must be extracted.

    Signs You Need A Root Canal

    It’s important to remember that not all patients will experience symptoms when they have an infection or inflammation in their dental pulp, therefore it’s always important to get regular dental checkups and x-rays to ensure early detection of any issues before they become serious problems.

    Dedicated To Painless Root Canals

    When pulp inside your tooth root becomes infected, the pulp and bacteria must be removed to save your tooth, oral health and overall health.

    During a root canal in Tukwila, WA, our oral surgeon first numb the treatment site with a local anesthetic. If you suffer from dental anxiety or need additional sedation, we offer diverse sedation options. Either way, you won’t feel any pain, although you may experience slight pressure as we complete the procedure.

    We drill a small hole in your tooth crown to gain access to the pulp chamber and carefully clean out all the bacteria and infected pulp and tissues. Then we fill and seal the end with a rubberlike material called gutta-percha.

    Afterward, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling to protect it and restore normal function. We accept many insurance plans and offer third-party financing to ensure your treatment is both painless and affordable.

    Save Your Tooth, Save Your Smile

    Restore your oral health with Root Canal Therapy. Preserve your natural tooth and prevent further complications. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

    Advanced Technology Ensures Optimal Outcomes

    At South Seattle Smiles, we believe in using innovative endodontics in Tukwila, WA to benefit our patients, such as micro-endoscopy and the GentleWave® Procedure. In fact, we’re one of only two practices in NYC to use groundbreaking GentleWave technology, which requires specific training and certification. Special operating microscopes enable our oral surgeon to see tiny details inside a tooth that guide more accurate treatment.

     

    The GentleWave Procedure is a minimally invasive state-of-the-art protocol to access the infected root canal system. The protocol enables the preservation of more of the natural tooth, thereby helping the tooth structure remain strong. Using GentleWave, our oral surgeon can typically clean and fill the tooth in just one visit, compared to the several appointments required with standard root canal therapy. Thorough debridement of the tooth is essential when performing root canal treatment to prevent the need for root canal retreatment or an apicoectomy. In our experience, GentleWave provides the most predictable method for thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting complex internal anatomies.

    How To Prevent Root Canals

    The best way to prevent a root canal is to practice good oral hygiene, avoid hard food that can crack teeth, and protect your teeth when playing sports. Follow these additional precautions:

    Root Canal Therapy FAQs

    Get answers to your frequently asked questions about Root Canal Therapy in our comprehensive FAQs. Learn about the procedure, pain management, recovery, and why South Seattle Smiles in Tukwila, WA is the trusted choice for high-quality root canal treatments.
    Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth’s root canal system, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then filling and sealing it to prevent further infection.
    Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or other dental issues. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to severe pain, abscess formation, and potential tooth loss. Root canal therapy is performed to alleviate pain, save the tooth, and restore oral health.
    Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not a painful procedure. Modern techniques and local anesthesia ensure that patients are comfortable throughout the process. In fact, root canal therapy is performed to relieve the pain caused by an infected tooth. Following the procedure, some minor discomfort or sensitivity may occur, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
    The duration of a root canal procedure depends on the complexity of the case and the tooth being treated. Generally, root canal therapy can be completed in one or two appointments, lasting about 90 minutes to two hours each. Our experienced dental team at South Seattle Smiles in Tukwila, WA will provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
    In most cases, a dental crown is recommended after a root canal procedure. Since the treated tooth may become more fragile and prone to fractures, a dental crown helps protect and strengthen it. Our dental clinic offers customized dental crowns that are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.
    Root canal therapy has a high success rate and is considered a permanent solution for saving a tooth. However, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term success of the treated tooth. Following the aftercare instructions provided by our dental team will help maximize the longevity of the root canal treatment.
    In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction may be considered as an alternative to root canal therapy. However, it’s important to note that losing a natural tooth can lead to other dental issues and may require additional treatments like dental implants or bridges. Our dental team will thoroughly evaluate your situation and recommend the best course of action for your oral health.
    Yes, in most cases, you can drive yourself home after a root canal procedure. The local anesthesia used during the treatment will wear off within a few hours, allowing you to resume your normal activities. However, if you anticipate any discomfort or if you received sedation during the procedure, it’s advisable to arrange for someone to drive you home.
    The cost of root canal therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the tooth being treated, the complexity of the case, and whether a dental crown is required. Our dental clinic, South Seattle Smiles, is committed to providing transparent and affordable dental care. We will provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your consultation and discuss the available payment options, including dental insurance coverage, to help you make an informed decision.
    In certain cases, root canal therapy can be performed on baby teeth if the tooth is essential for proper dental development or if the infection is severe.
    Meet Tukwila’s Most Trusted Dentist

    Meet Your Dentist

    Get to Know Lance Timmerman, DMD, PS

    Born and raised in Kirkland, Dr. Timmerman believes that a true dentist is also an artist, and he even displays works of art in our dental office (including a sculpture he made with his own hands) to demonstrate his aesthetic-minded eye.

    Seeing people smile brighter after their appointments is always a joy, which is why his dental office is open to new patients and families who are ready to achieve the dental health and happiness they deserve. If you’d like to learn more about him, just keep reading below.

    Find Your Perfect Style

    Incredible results and inspiring journeys; see some of our patients’ before and after photos the next time you visit our practice.

    Your new smile is only a few clicks away.

    Read What Our Patients Are Saying

    Our patients enjoy the very best when it comes to speed, convenience, and quality of care, and they just love talking about it online!
    Lorri Kurth
    5/5
    8 months ago
    I use Dr.Timmerman for Botox and I’m happy with my results. They were able to get me in the same day. Thank you!!
    Mai Trinh
    5/5
    11 months ago
    Dr. Timmerman took good care of his clients,he’s professional ,friendly,he’s always use the new technology …Thank you very much Dr.Timmerman and all staffs what you have done for me.
    Cherie Lang
    5/5
    11 months ago
    Lance and staff do great work. Lance is a very talented dentist. Gail cleaned my teeth today and she’s a soothing soul. Nice to have someone like that in a dental office😉
    Andrew Waters
    5/5
    1 year ago
    I have lived in the south Seattle area for 10 years and this is by far the best Dental office I have found in the area. Fast, efficient, and pleasant service. Exceptionally skilled and experienced staff. The dental work I have had done at this office is, hands down, the best quality I have ever had done (and I have had a lot done) Exceptional. Highly recommended.
    margaret english
    5/5
    1 year ago
    If you have embarrassment or fears concerning your teeth /mouth condition this is the place to come. Very professional! They put you immediately at ease. My teeth are in horrible condition. It was difficult for me to even make the apt as I’m so embarrassed to even open my mouth. From the receptionist to the doctor I was treated as if I was the only patient they had that day. They even helped me get financing! Make the call today you won’t be sorry.
    Pam Hendrickson
    5/5
    1 year ago
    Best dentist ever! I’ve been seeing Dr. Timmerman for over 20 years and he has done some really great work keeping my teeth looking and feeling good each and every year! My last visit was for teeth cleaning and the hygienist did a great job. They sparkle now and feel great.
    Richard Hanlon jr
    5/5
    2 years ago
    I had a very important visit to South Seattle smiles today. Doctor timmerman Took a full mouth scan Of my gum’s,tissues and implants. Everything went very smoothly and I am excited to see the results come back with my new set of full upper and lower Dental implants. Holly was very kind and helpful making sure the lab Receives everything they need .
    Michael Cereghino
    5/5
    2 years ago
    South Seattle Smiles is a top notch office! Dr Lance Timmerman proved friendly service, is a wealth of wisdom and made my entire experience the best that anyone could ever hope for! I have found my DFF!

    There’s No Need To Fear Pain-Free Root Canal Treatment Is Here

    Schedule a painless appointment and save your smile. Just imagine:

  • Get your life back with renewed confidence
  • Be healthy and feel amazing for a lifetime
  • Eat and love your favorite foods again
  • Unlock a Restful Night’s Sleep

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