Root Canal Specialist

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure that’s needed when your dental pulp, the lowermost chamber in your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Your pulp chamber has blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, so a root canal helps make sure your tooth doesn’t die.

You may need root canal therapy for any of the following reasons.

• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Having an untreated cavity
• Severe dental trauma

What symptoms does root canal therapy treat?

When you’re in need of a root canal, pain is the most common symptom. It’s also possible that you experience no symptoms with your tooth infection.

There are other symptoms you should pay attention to, including:

• Swollen or tender gums
• Discomfort around your infected tooth
• Extreme tooth discoloration
• Swelling in the jaw
• Bitter taste in your mouth
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, the dental team at Tysons Dental Design Center recommends you schedule a consultation to determine if you need a root canal. They determine the cause of your symptoms with a thorough examination and X-rays of your mouth.

How did my tooth become infected?

The two most common causes of bacteria entering your pulp chamber are a crack or chip in your tooth and having cavities. If bacteria enters your pulp chamber, the blood vessels and nerves inside your tooth can become infected and cause excruciating pain. If left untreated, you could lose your tooth.

You can prevent a tooth infection by brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing once a day, and visiting Tysons Dental Design Center at least semiannually for a thorough cleaning and checkup.

What is it like to get a root canal?

The first step in getting a root canal is for your Tysons Dental Design Center dentist to inject local anesthetic around your root canal site to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. After the anesthetic takes effect, your dentist makes a small hole in your infected tooth to expose the pulp chamber. They then carefully remove all the dead tissue and clean out the canals in your tooth.

Afterward, your dentist fills and seals the tooth opening. Lastly, they place a filling or crown on your tooth.

If you practice proper dental hygiene habits, it’s likely your root canal therapy will last a lifetime.

To make sure you don’t lose a permanent tooth, call Tysons Dental Design Center today to learn more about root canal therapy or schedule your appointment online.