Root Canal Therapy In Covington, WA

Save Your Tooth with Experts by Your Side

When your tooth has been extensively damaged by decay or trauma, a root canal treatment may be necessary. If you need a root canal in Covington, WA, come see our dentist at Covington Complete Dentistry. Dr. Baptista Kwok and our team will do everything we can to make you feel at home. And if you have any questions about root canals and endodontic therapy, just dial (253) 639-6868 and talk with a member of our team.
Root Canal Therapy In Covington, WA

Root Canal Therapy

Commonly called a root canal, root canal treatment is a type of endodontic therapy that is often recommended if the tooth pulp and nerves become infected or damaged. This may occur if injury or decay reaches deep into the tooth, past the outer enamel layer. When left untreated, this type of infection and disease may cause the tooth to die and necessitate tooth extraction. To restore the health of the tooth and avoid the need for extraction, our skilled dentist will remove the infected and injured tissues from within the tooth, clean the tooth, and fill it with a medicated material. We will then cap the tooth with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to return the tooth to its original shape and structure. In most cases, a root canal can be completed in only one or two comfortable visits to our office.

Root canal treatment is a necessary but often considered a painful procedure. Thanks to advances in techniques, modern dentistry equipment and anesthesia, the pain can now be minimal and short-lived. Root canal treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.

Our dentist and entire team work hard to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable experience each time you visit our office. To learn more about root canal treatment, we welcome you to contact us today. We are committed to restoring your smile’s health.

Why choose us for your root canal in Covington, WA?

If you’re looking for a root canal procedure in Covington, WA, Dr. Kwok accommodates your needs through emergency root canal or regular appointments. If your pain becomes severe, Dr. Kwok also provides precise sedation dentistry to numb gums to undertake even the most delicate root canal procedures. 

  • They have been my favorite place to go to! On my second visit Gina and Michelle remembered details about me and my personal life when we had only spoken once!... read more

    Nayelli Ramirez Avatar Nayelli Ramirez
    November 14, 2022

    First time visiting this clinic and it was amazing. The gal at the front desk, Michelle, was so sweet and welcoming. She had a warm and cheerful disposition that is... read more

    Emmalee Hagstrom Avatar Emmalee Hagstrom
    January 14, 2023

    Doctor has very knowledgeable hands, he moved the instruments from spot to spot like a master worker. The ladies In The office are lovely and totally understand life and what... read more

    Jeannie Salvig Avatar Jeannie Salvig
    August 14, 2022

    My partner recommended this place to me after he had researched and consulted with what felt like dozens of other dentists in this area. He had a ton of work... read more

    Ida B Avatar Ida B
    October 14, 2022

    Going into the dentist always been hard for me. But this morning Ms Michelle at the front desk made my day extra special. She was so friendly, kind, nice, etc.... read more

    Hevy Tahir Avatar Hevy Tahir
    December 14, 2022

    Wonderful experience, my wife had to get three wisdom teeth removed and they were kind and super helpful! Would definitely recommend!

    Nate Robinett Avatar Nate Robinett
    January 24, 2023
  • I’m the type of patient that is super nervous about dental procedures. It is very hard for me to not feel like I’m going to choke when a lot... read more

    Debie Douglas Avatar Debie Douglas
    February 11, 2023

    Dr. Kwok and staff did an incredible job taking care of my dental needs. I highly recommend their team to meet your needs.

    Jack Andrew Avatar Jack Andrew
    January 14, 2023

    I have alway been afraid of the dentist. Coming here I felt very comfortable everything was seamless and painless they take the most care with their clients and really care... read more

    cathleen pen Avatar cathleen pen
    December 14, 2022

    I have been traumatized by dentists in the past, and only broken an appt for a broken tooth that’s been bothering me. I knew I needed a lot of dental... read more

    Katelynn Bingham Avatar Katelynn Bingham
    February 9, 2023

    I have always dreaded the dentists office and Dr. Kwok makes coming in a breeze. I don’t get anxiety about dental work anymore because of him. Not to mention, he... read more

    Danielle Davis Avatar Danielle Davis
    December 14, 2022

    Dr. Kwok took care of my root canal so quickly and painless that I was surprised. I was expecting to in the chair for hours and I was out of... read more

    shavinesh Kumar Avatar shavinesh Kumar
    November 14, 2022
  • When I tell you I have the worst Dentist Phobia and get such bad anxiety. But this super Team here has changed that! They are so awesome and patient... read more

    AUBREY (AUBADABADO) Avatar AUBREY (AUBADABADO)
    December 14, 2022

    My friend Selinna works for Covington Complete Dentistry recommended me to come to get my wisdom teeth extractions! This is the best experience I’ve at dental office in a long... read more

    Aaliek Davis Avatar Aaliek Davis
    December 14, 2022

    Jennifer the dental hygienist did an awesome job cleaning my teeth. Dr. Kwok is also always enthusiastic and easy to talk with!

    Oksana S Avatar Oksana S
    January 17, 2023

    Lovely facility, all the staff was very kind. I got my teeth cleaned by Cornelius, who did a fantastic job. Very grateful to be able to have my teeth taken... read more

    Karlyn Nourse Avatar Karlyn Nourse
    December 14, 2022

    I have not been a fan of 'going to the dentist' for most of my life, but after my visit to Covington Complete Dentistry, this may change. I made an... read more

    Stan Elliot Avatar Stan Elliot
    January 14, 2023

    I would like to talk about how amazing this dental clinic is. Dr. Kwok is an amazing dentist with over 20 years of experience. I have gotten a root canal... read more

    Kimberly Takai Avatar Kimberly Takai
    December 14, 2022
  • All the staff was really nice and helpful, especially Dr Baptista very professional and great at what he does for so many people I'm definitely going back for more work... read more

    Dwayne Myatt Avatar Dwayne Myatt
    December 14, 2022

    Dr.Kwok is outstanding! I had to get my first root canal and a crown; it was painless and I got my crown the same day! Everyone in the office is... read more

    JenAvery Marlowe Avatar JenAvery Marlowe
    August 14, 2022

    I've been a patient of Dr. Kwok's for over a year. Dr. Kwok genuinely cares for his patients & has our best interest at heart. One of many reasons why... read more

    C Mathison Avatar C Mathison
    November 14, 2022

    This dentistry is amazing! Selinna and Dr. Kwok have made my journey with Invisalign seamless. Their knowledge and attention to detail when it came to set-up and follow ups... read more

    Cesar Miramontes Avatar Cesar Miramontes
    August 14, 2022

    Excellent place. Carol was so great, she got me scheduled on short notice and I had all four wisdom teeth removed in one appointment. Didn’t feel any pain!! Will definitely... read more

    Nawzad Ahmed Avatar Nawzad Ahmed
    August 14, 2022

    Dr.Kwok is the best in town!! Staff is also great! Its super clean in here. I had really bad jaw popping and he is the first dentist to actually listen... read more

    Kathleen Knight Avatar Kathleen Knight
    March 14, 2022

When Does a Root Canal Procedure Become Necessary?

Your teeth have a protective layer on the outside, known as enamel. The layer under that is called dentin and inside of the tooth, you have a soft core that contains dental pulp made up of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. When decay gets into the pulp, it becomes inflamed, infected, or dies. A root canal is an endodontic treatment that cleans out decay in the pulp and root of your tooth.

More than 15 million root canals are performed every year in the United States, meaning an average of over 41,000 per day. According to a 2016 study, the indication that patients need a root canal can vary based on the type of bacteria involved.

Root Canal Therapy In Covington, WA

The only way you can know for sure whether you need a root canal is to schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist. At Covington Complete Dentistry, Dr. Baptista Kwok helps you decide if a root canal is right for your needs.

However, there are several signs that you should be aware of. If you experience any of these, it’s important to schedule your appointment as soon as possible because the sooner you get treatment, the better outcome you will have.

Top 7 Signs You Need a Root Canal

Tooth pain that won’t go away

One of the first signs you may need a root canal is tooth pain that never completely resolves. It may be constant, never-ending, or it may go away and come back. The pain may be deep in the bone or may be referred pain felt in other teeth or your face/jaw.

Some other common causes of tooth pain include:

No matter what is causing your pain, you need to see the dentist- especially if it won’t resolve. Early diagnosis/treatment results in a more positive outcome.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot or cold could indicate that you need a root canal. The sensitivity may be a sharp pain or a dull ache. If the pain persists even when you stop eating/drinking, it could indicate that the blood vessels/nerves in the tooth are damaged or infected and you need a root canal.

Tooth discoloration

If you get an infection in the pulp of your tooth, it can cause the tooth to have a grayish-black appearance. The discoloration is easier to see in front teeth than in back teeth. Not enough blood supply can cause the tooth pulp to die, which means you need a root canal. While other factors may cause discoloration, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental visit if you see a tooth changing color.

Swollen gums

If the gums around the tooth are swollen, it could mean that you need a root canal. This swelling may be tender to the touch or may not be painful at all, and the swelling may come and go as well. Swelling is the result of the acidic waste of dead pulp, or a pimple may cause it on the gum, also known as a gum boil, abscess, or parulis. The pimple may ooze infected pus, giving you bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Pain when eating or touching the tooth

If you have pain when eating or when the tooth is touched, you may have nerve damage or significant tooth decay that requires a root canal. This is especially true if the sensitivity is persistent and doesn’t stop when you stop eating.

The ligament around the top of the root may become hypersensitive due to the pulp dying, and the waste may cause irritation of the ligament, which causes pain when you bite.

Chipped/cracked tooth

If your tooth has been damaged due to trauma or biting down on something hard, bacteria may set in, causing inflammation and ultimately infection. Even if you have an injury without damaging the tooth externally, the nerves could be damaged, resulting in pain/sensitivity, and you may need a root canal.

Tooth Stability

If your tooth is infected, it may feel loose. While other factors can cause this, the acidic waste from nerve death may soften the bone around the tooth, causing it to feel loose. If you have more than one tooth that feels loose, you may have other issues to address.

Advanced Dentistry Technology for Root Canal

At Covington Complete Dentistry, we utilize advanced dental technology for our root canals. For example, one of the primary reasons people avoid going to the dentist is a fear of needles. We have addressed this fear with the use of the Syrijet Mark 2 Needleless Injector. This device is easy to operate and reliable. It saves time and reduces patient apprehension and discomfort.

We also use CALAJECT, a computer-assisted local anesthesia delivery system that provides pain-free injections. Research shows that 95% of patients who have experienced this system for injections have changed their thoughts on dental visits.

If you believe you may need a root canal or have other dental issues that need to be addressed, contact our office today and schedule your appointment. We can help you with various dental issues, including root canals.

How much does a Root Canal cost in Covington, WA?

At Covington Complete Dentistry, the cost of a root canal procedure is as low as $799. We also have available CareCredit as well as other insurance payment options for your root canal procedure.