Endodontic evaluation
Dr. Lee evaluates symptoms, tooth structure, diagnostic imaging, and the condition of the pulp and surrounding tissues to determine whether endodontic treatment is indicated.
Root canal treatment in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee evaluates teeth with deep decay, significant sensitivity, infection, or injury to determine whether the tissue inside the tooth requires endodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment removes diseased tissue from inside the tooth so the tooth can be disinfected, sealed, and restored for continued function.
Preserving the tooth
Why is root canal treatment performed?
Root canal treatment is used when the pulp inside a tooth is inflamed, infected, or no longer healthy enough to recover.
The goal is to remove the affected tissue, disinfect the internal canal system, and preserve the tooth when its remaining structure can support a predictable final restoration.
- Treat inflamed or infected pulp
- Preserve a restorable natural tooth
- Prepare the tooth for a durable final restoration
- Resolve the internal source of endodontic disease
What does root canal treatment involve?
Internal treatment
During root canal therapy, the affected tissue is removed from inside the tooth, the canals are cleaned and disinfected, and the internal space is sealed.
Final restoration
After endodontic treatment, the tooth needs an appropriate final restoration based on its location and remaining structure.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
- Define the source. Dr. Lee examines the tooth and uses diagnostic imaging to determine whether the pulp or tissues around the root are involved.
- Assess restorability. She determines whether enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the tooth after endodontic treatment.
- Plan treatment. When root canal therapy is appropriate, the internal infection or inflammation is treated and the canal system is sealed.
- Restore the tooth. Dr. Lee plans the final restoration according to the amount of remaining tooth structure and the forces placed on that tooth.
What causes a tooth to need a root canal?
Root canal treatment may be considered for a tooth with irreversible pulp inflammation, infection, trauma, deep decay, or other internal damage when the tooth still has enough healthy structure for a durable final restoration.
Case complexity varies. Dr. Lee evaluates the tooth and coordinates endodontic referral when the anatomy or treatment needs are better managed by an endodontist.
When should I see a dentist for tooth pain?
Schedule an evaluation for persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to temperature, swelling, pain when biting, or a tooth that has been significantly injured.
Tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, and pain when biting can have several causes. Dr. Lee uses the exam and diagnostic imaging to determine whether the tooth needs root canal treatment or another type of care.
What affects the cost of root canal treatment?
Cost depends on the tooth being treated, treatment complexity, whether specialist care is involved, and the final restoration required afterward. Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans and can verify how your benefits apply to each stage of the treatment plan.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Coverage depends on your plan and whether care is completed at Smile Art or with a referred specialist.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. She evaluates painful and structurally compromised teeth to determine whether root canal treatment can preserve the tooth and coordinates specialist care when the endodontic complexity requires it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether I need a root canal?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm it. Dr. Lee evaluates the tooth, pulp response, surrounding tissues, and diagnostic imaging before determining whether endodontic treatment is indicated.
Can a tooth still hurt after root canal treatment?
Some tenderness can occur as the surrounding tissues recover. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated so the treated tooth and surrounding tissues can be assessed.
Does a root canal save the tooth?
Root canal treatment can preserve a tooth when the internal disease can be treated and enough sound tooth structure remains for an appropriate final restoration.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
The final restoration depends on the tooth, its location, and the amount of healthy structure remaining. Dr. Lee determines the restoration after evaluating those factors.
When is a referral to an endodontist needed?
Dr. Lee refers when the tooth anatomy, prior treatment, diagnostic uncertainty, or procedural complexity is better managed by an endodontist.
What happens if a root-canal-treated tooth breaks?
Schedule an evaluation. Dr. Lee will assess the remaining tooth structure and determine whether the tooth can be restored or requires another treatment plan.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.