Root Canal

3D rendered cross-section view of a tooth and its roots

Root canal, or endodontic treatment, involves the removal of the infected pulp inside your tooth to stop the infection from spreading to other parts of your mouth. The treatment is effective, and more than 15 million teeth are saved with root canal treatment every year. At Monroe Smiles, our doctors can perform root canal treatment and can also refer you to a specialist (Endodontist) if needed.

Signs You May Need Treatment

•	Extreme Pain - If you have ever had a toothache that causes you sleepless nights, then you know how unpleasant the experience can be. Too much pain in your root canal can lead to loss of appetite or even cause your blood pressure to increase. Also, pain around your gums or pressure on your tooth whenever your chew can signify that you need a root canal treatment.
•	Cold and Hot Sensitivity - Sensitivity usually occurs when the tooth enamel has been eroded, but it can signify that your root canal is infected. The sensitivity can trigger pain whenever your tooth is exposed to anything hot or cold.
•	Abscess – an abscess is a localized pocket of fluid caused by a bacterial infection, often originating from the tooth’s pulp.

Tooth Sensitivity to Cold and Hot

Sensitivity usually occurs when the tooth enamel has been eroded. Although in some cases sensitivity can be caused by cleanings, acidic foods, and poor dental hygiene, sometimes tooth sensitivity can signify that your root canal is infected. The sensitivity can even trigger pain whenever your tooth is exposed to anything hot or cold.

Your Gums May Appear Dark

When your gums are infected, they will form bumps, swell, and sometimes darken. If this happens around your infected root canal you should get the treatment to prevent gum disease from developing.

An Abscess

If your dentist spots an abscess, we will be forced to perform a root canal procedure to stop the pain caused by the bacteria. An abscess is normally spotted through an x-ray procedure and is a hole that forms in your jawbone, preventing it from growing because of the infection. Since they are only seen through x-ray, you should make a point to visit our dental clinic to know if you need a root canal procedure.

What Happens During Endodontic Treatments?

Your dentist will remove the pulp present in your tooth, clean it and fill it to protect it from bacteria. Before doing that, we will use local anesthesia to calm your nerve and prevent excessive pain. Pain usually felt after a root canal treatment is mostly caused by the bacteria present in the root canal. Antibiotics can be prescribed for the infection.

How to Care for Your Tooth After Root Canal

Brushing and avoiding sugary foods is one way to eliminate potential oral bacteria. However, we advise you to visit our specialists at Monroe Smiles for the best guidance concerning root canal treatment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Monroe Smiles at (360) 467-6386.

Contact Information

14650 N. Kelsey St. Ste. 104-105
Monroe, WA 98272-1456

(360) 467-6386
drj@jljdds.com

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:00am-6:00pm

Root Canal Monroe WA
Root canal treatment in Monroe, WA to remove infection and preserve natural teeth. A routine procedure for deep decay or internal tooth damage.
Monroe Smiles, 14650 N. Kelsey St., Ste. 104-105, Monroe, WA 98272 • (360) 467-6386 • monroesmiles.com • 1/10/2026 • Key Phrases: dentist Monroe WA •