At Capital Esthetics and Family Dentistry, we offer root canal therapy to patients looking for the best way to treat their damaged teeth. Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best treatment. Call (703) 225-0040 today to schedule a consultation.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a standard endodontic treatment used to treat infections in an affected tooth, specifically the area occupied by the tooth’s pulp. It is essential to understand the root structure of your teeth before learning about root canal treatment.

Hidden underneath the visible white of your teeth is the pulp, which includes the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. The pulp is surrounded by a protective layer of dentin and topped with enamel, which is the visible portion of your tooth.

Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed and dies. If not removed, it can cause infection resulting in painful toothaches and tooth loss. This can be caused by various factors, including trauma to the root structure, deep cavities near the root, or tooth fractures. In addition, if root canal therapy is not performed when the root canal becomes infected, the infection can spread to other areas of your body, such as your gums, bones, and even other teeth. Infected teeth will eventually become severely decayed and will need to be removed.

Who may need root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy is used to treat infected tooth pulp. It is necessary to undergo root canal treatment if you have an infection that has extended past the dentin or enamel into the root, fractures that have exposed root canals to mouth bacteria, or root resorption that has caused root weakness.

When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and cause an infection inside the natural tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. Pain and swelling can also result if the infection is not removed. This can be detrimental to not only your oral health but your overall wellbeing.

You may need a root canal if:

• You are experiencing sensitivity or pain in response to hot and cold temperatures
• There is dark discoloration of the tooth
• You are experiencing swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums

Root Canal Procedure

The procedure to take care of root canals begins with a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the process. You may experience pressure and minimal discomfort during the procedure. One common misconception about root canal procedures is that they are very painful, but with our experienced endodontist and sedatives, we will make it a comfortable experience.

Dr. Pham will isolate the infected tooth from the rest of the teeth with a dental dam. Then she will use a dental material to seal the inside the tooth. Next, a hole is made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber using a dental drill. Dr. Pham will then remove the infected portion of the pulp tissue, and then it will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

She will fill the outer gap with dental filling to seal the rest of the tooth. Then, a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth.

Though this is an invasive procedure, with the aid of advanced technology, we will ensure that you are comfortable and the process is as simple as possible.

What to Expect After a Root Canal

You may experience mild pain and sensitivity as the local anesthetic wears off. While this may be uncomfortable, it should only last a few days. Our dentist may also prescribe medications to aid discomfort and antibiotics to prevent infection.

You will have full function of your teeth, but you should take caution. Eating hard foods can induce more pain.

If you are experiencing pain, prolonged sensitivity, or swelling several days after the procedure, contact Dr. Pham. Some patients require two treatments for the root canal to succeed, and pain after the procedure could indicate this.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Pham Today!

If you are experiencing dental discomfort or need your teeth cleaned, schedule an appointment with the best dentist in Vienna, VA. Your dental health is essential, and Dr. Pham and our professional team provide the highest quality care to all of our patients in Northern Virginia. Call us at 703-225-0040 to schedule an appointment.