- 14631 Route 29, Unit 201, Centreville, VA
- (703) 890-3200
Effective Root Canal Therapy in Centreville, VA
Root Canal Therapy by Total Dental Arts
When you have a severely decayed or infected tooth, you may need either a tooth extraction or root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is a safe, effective alternative to a tooth extraction, and can preserve your tooth by addressing and removing the infected tissue and strengthening the tooth. At Total Dental Arts, Dr. Kourosh and his staff provide stress and pain-free root canal therapy in Centreville, VA. We work quickly to identify and diagnose infections and find solutions that preserve your natural teeth.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment option for infections of the tooth pulp, which is the innermost layer of your teeth. The best way to prevent infection is to practice consistent daily oral hygiene and visit your dentist every year for a dental exam, professional teeth cleaning, and dental x-rays.
When Do You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
You need a root canal treatment if you have an infection of the pulp inside your tooth. Infections occur when bacteria find their way inside your tooth pulp and cause inflammation. This can happen when you have a dental cavity or a cracked or damaged tooth. Some of the signs you need a root canal are:
- Persistent tooth pain that feels like it is deep in your tooth or that radiates to your jaw, face, or other teeth.
- Pain that increases when you put pressure on the tooth or try to eat.
- Swollen or tender gums.
- A pimple or boil on your gums.
- Discharge or pus.
- A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
- A loose tooth.
- A discolored tooth.
Benefits of a Root Canal for a Cracked Tooth or Infected Tooth
Undergoing root canal therapy removes and treats an infection that could spread to other teeth or your bloodstream and cause jawbone loss, tooth loss, and major health problems. The only alternative to root canal therapy is a tooth extraction, so root canal therapy can help you avoid losing your tooth. Dr. Kourosh uses high-end dental technologies like Element Connect and Endolift to ensure precision during root canal therapy.
What to Expect Before & During a Root Canal
Before your root canal, we will do a full examination and take dental x-rays. Our goal is to find a way to preserve your tooth and avoid tooth extraction. On the day of your root canal procedure, we will use local anesthesia to ensure you remain calm, comfortable, and pain-free. We will create a small hole in your affected tooth and clean out any infected nerves, blood vessels, and tissues. We will disinfect the chamber and root canals and fill the empty areas with dental material. We will then seal your tooth with a filling and place a dental crown over it.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
Discomfort should be expected following the procedure for the first week and is usually worse in the first 24 hours. If the infection is severe or the tooth was very painful prior to the procedure, the discomfort will last longer. Analgesics (Tylenol, Motrin, Advil) are usually sufficient to combat the pain or discomfort. Take your medication as prescribed and if the discomfort worsens after two days, contact our office.
- If you have been given a prescription for antibiotic medication, it is critical to take them as directed immediately following the procedure, otherwise, infection develops and swelling happens.
- Make sure you keep your next scheduled appointment so that our doctors can ensure they do not have to repeat the same procedure.
- Avoid chewing on the tooth that has had the root canal treatment, until the final crown has been placed. The tooth is weaker, and chewing on it may cause it to crack or break. Try to eat with the opposite side of your mouth and avoid eating hard foods.
- Your tooth has been reduced slightly in height. This is intentional. This is done to minimize any pressure that would apply to the tooth.
- A dental crown is recommended shortly following the completion of the root canal treatment.
- Since the remaining tooth structure is generally compromised and fragile, it is important that the tooth is protected as soon as possible with a crown. Failure to do so may result in the further breakdown of the tooth and possibly loss of the tooth. Protect the investment you have made in saving your tooth by promptly scheduling your appointment for restorative care.
What Causes Root Canal Complications?
While complications and risks of root canal treatment are rare, they can happen. We will give you information on how to prevent complications and what symptoms to look out for. The most common complication is reinfection of the tooth or new cracks or damage to the tooth. Other complications include pain due to eating hard foods or not taking pain medication regularly. You may also experience slowed or stunted healing due to not sticking to our recommended aftercare instructions.
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation
If you have symptoms of a tooth infection, call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for a root canal treatment in Centreville, VA. Dr. Kourosh and his staff at Total Dental Arts will do a full examination to determine if you need root canal therapy and will prepare you for your procedure.