Root Canal Treatment in Virginia
What is Root Canal Therapy?
We provide root canal treatment in Virginia, also known as endodontic therapy, root canal therapy, or simply as a root canal. It is a treatment that serves three primary purposes:
1. To get rid of pain.
2. Prevent another infection of the tooth.
3. Save the tooth.
This treatment serves to relieve dental pain and preserve your natural teeth. In a few visits or less, depending on the extent of the infection, our endodontist can make your smile healthy again.
The common procedure involves our endodontist removing the infected pulp, which consists of the nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that sit in the center of the tooth. They will then carefully clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth. Finally, they will fill the root and place the crown.
Step-by-Step Look at the Root Canal Treatment in Virginia Our Office Provides:
Root canal therapy involves our endodontist:
1. Examining the infected tooth, often taking x-rays to do so.
2. Numbing the tooth with a local anesthetic.
3. Put a small sheet over the tooth to keep it clean.
4. Making an opening in the crown of the tooth.
5. Cleaning the pulp.
6. Shaping the inside of the tooth for a filling.
7. Filling the root canal with gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance.
8. Placing a crown in the tooth to preserve it.
Evidently, a restored tooth can last for many years if it is properly cared for.
Why is Root Canal Treatment in Virginia Important?
Root canal therapy is one of two options available once a tooth’s pulp has been infected with bacteria. The other option is the removal of the tooth.
Root canal therapy can restore the tooth and eliminate the infection. If an infected tooth is left untreated, it can become decayed. An abscess, a pocket of pus, can form in your mouth, which then must be drained by a dentist. Thus, an untreated abscess can spread to other parts of the body and cause difficulty swallowing, breathing, and opening the mouth. Surely, the infection could reach your bloodstream and endanger your life.
Root canal therapy is crucial to getting rid of the infection before serious conditions emerge. The treatment can also save teeth instead of requiring extraction. Removing and replacing a tooth typically involves more procedures and could adversely affect other teeth and gums. It is vital to seek root canal therapy as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving the tooth.
When Do You Need Root Canal Treatment in Virginia?
Pulp infections have several causes. The most common one is the tooth is cracked or chipped and bacteria has made its way through these tiny pathways. Sometimes, a mouth injury can damage the pulp even if no visible crack or chip exists.
You might need root canal therapy if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Constant pain
Tooth pain that bothers you all the time can be an obvious sign that something is wrong with the tooth or gum. Gum disease, a cavity, or an infected tooth can cause constant pain. You could also have a sinus infection. However, if your tooth hurts when you touch it, then it might be severely infected. Persistent pain accompanied by other symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible to treat the condition quickly before it gets worse.
Constant pain
Tooth pain that bothers you all the time can be an obvious sign that something is wrong with the tooth or gum. Gum disease, a cavity, or an infected tooth can cause constant pain. You could also have a sinus infection. However, if your tooth hurts when you touch it, then it might be severely infected. Persistent pain accompanied by other symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible to treat the condition quickly before it gets worse.
Cold and heat sensitivity
If your tooth hurts when you either consume hot or cold food and beverages, then you might need root canal therapy, especially if the pain lingers for a while after eating and drinking.
Tooth discoloration
When a tooth’s roots are damaged by infection, the tooth can turn a grayish-black color. Several other conditions can cause tooth discoloration so it’s best to see your dentist to begin treatment.
Swollen and/or pimply gums
Swollen gums near the infected tooth are a common sign you might need root canal therapy. The swelling can either be permanent or come and go. The gums could also be painful when you touch the area. You could also experience a small pimple in the area, which is a type of abscess. If one of these opens, you might get a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
Cracked, chipped, and/or movable tooth
An obvious injury to a tooth should be more than enough reason to visit your dentist. Even if the injury doesn’t cause any apparent signs of distress, it can cause inflammation to the tooth that results in pain. Also, if the tooth is loose either after an injury or not, then the tooth might be infected enough that it softens the bone around the root.
If you are unsure about whether or not you need root canal therapy, then you should promptly consult with Dr. Asgari.
Prevention and Tips for Root Canal Treatment in Virginia
Although our endodontist can perform your root canal therapy with maximum effectiveness and minimum pain, the best way to avoid such treatment is to avoid it altogether.
- Follow routine dental hygiene habits, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and/or rinse.
- Visit a dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months.
- Immediately see your dentist if you experience any sudden changes or pain with your teeth or gums.
If prevention does not work and you still need root canal therapy, you can rest easy knowing the procedure is commonly and successfully performed every day. Dr. Asgari of Family Dentistry Springfield is here to keep you smiling and healthy.
