Root Canal Treatment
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C&R Dental Care
Cosmetic & General Dentists & Dental Implant Specialists located in Tysons, VA
Root canal therapy is not something to be feared. This treatment actually eases pain and saves a compromised tooth. At C & R Dental Care, the expert team offers root canal therapy at all three offices, located in Centreville, Virginia, and Columbia, Maryland. Call to make an appointment or use the online booking agent if you have pain that suggests a root canal might be in order.
Root Canal Q & A
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy addresses an infection in the pulp of your tooth. The pulp sits in the inner chamber of your tooth and contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. When an infection spreads to this region, it compromises the roots and potentially the integrity of the tooth.
Root canal therapy rids your tooth of the infection, halts its spread, and replaces the infected pulp with a filling material. A root canal saves your existing tooth to keep the integrity of your bite intact.
What symptoms suggest I need a root canal?
You won't always have symptoms that a root canal is necessary. An infection of the pulp may be detected during a normal exam. However, come into C & R Dental Care immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe toothache pain, especially when chewing
- Darkening of the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness of the gums around a tooth
- A pimple on the gum or abscess
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink
Why should I have a root canal?
A root canal alleviates the pain involved in the infection. When the pulp of your tooth is infected, the infection is likely to spread to the roots, and you'll lose the tooth altogether. A lost tooth can cause shifts in other teeth, the infection can spread to other teeth, and you may experience trouble chewing and speaking. Plus, a lost tooth requires expensive replacements in the form of partial dentures or implants.
What happens during root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy usually involves between one and three visits. At the first visit, the dental team drills a tiny hole through the top of the tooth to expose the inner chamber. They remove any diseased tissue and clean and disinfect the area thoroughly. After reshaping the tiny canals, the team fills them with an elastic material and medication that prevents infection.
The hole is sealed and a crown adhered to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
How long does a root canal last?
A tooth that’s undergone root canal therapy can be treated as any natural teeth. It can last as long as the natural tooth, provided you care for it with good oral hygiene habits that include regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
