- 14631 Lee Hwy STE 201, Centreville, VA 20121
- (703) 890-3200
Fair Oaks, VA Root Canal Therapy
Restore Your Smile with Root Canal Treatment at Total Dental Arts
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, you might be dealing with a serious dental issue. Often, a toothache that doesn’t subside or worsens over time could be an indication that a tooth is infected. At Total Dental Arts, we specialize in providing high-quality root canal therapy to residents of Fair Oaks to treat infected teeth and preserve your natural smile. Root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to save a tooth that’s in danger of being lost due to decay or infection.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure that treats an infection in the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth) caused by deep decay or trauma. The goal of the procedure is to remove the infected pulp, disinfect the inside of the tooth, and then seal it to prevent further damage or infection. If necessary, the tooth may be restored with a crown to ensure its strength and function.
Root canal therapy is an effective alternative to tooth extraction, and it can allow you to keep your natural tooth for many years after treatment. In most cases, the procedure is relatively straightforward and can be completed in one or two visits to our office.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal in Fair Oaks, VA
How do you know if you need a root canal? While only a dentist can diagnose the need for a root canal, there are certain signs and symptoms to watch out for. If you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kourosh at Total Dental Arts:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent tooth pain, particularly when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth, may be an indication of an infection in the pulp.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: If you experience extreme discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods or beverages, this can be a sign of an underlying infection or damage to the tooth.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: Infection in the tooth’s pulp can cause swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums, sometimes accompanied by a pimple-like bump.
- Tooth Discoloration: If your tooth has become darker than usual, it could be a sign of infection inside the tooth.
- Pain While Biting or Chewing: A tooth that causes pain or sensitivity when biting down could indicate that a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait for the pain to get worse or the infection to spread. Contact Total Dental Arts right away to schedule a consultation.
The Root Canal Process: What to Expect
At Total Dental Arts, we want our patients to feel comfortable and well-informed about their treatment. If you need a root canal, here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Consultation and Diagnosis: Dr. Kourosh will begin by evaluating your tooth and taking X-rays to assess the extent of the infection. We will discuss your symptoms and ensure you fully understand the procedure before moving forward.
- Local Anesthesia: To ensure you feel no pain during the procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the infected tooth. This will help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the treatment.
- Accessing the Tooth: Dr. Kourosh will create a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the pulp chamber. This allows us to remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the tooth.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting: Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.
- Filling the Tooth: After cleaning, the empty pulp chamber is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This seals the tooth and prevents future infections.
- Placing a Crown: In many cases, a crown will be placed over the treated tooth to restore its structure and functionality. The crown protects the tooth from further damage and helps you chew and bite normally.
- Follow-Up Care: After the root canal is complete, we may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process. We’ll also provide instructions for caring for your tooth as it heals.
Why Choose Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy offers a number of benefits, including:
- Preserving Your Natural Tooth: One of the biggest advantages of root canal therapy is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth. Preserving your tooth is important for maintaining your bite and preventing other dental issues.
- Relieving Pain: Once the infection is removed, you’ll experience immediate relief from the pain caused by the infected tooth.
- Preventing the Need for Tooth Extraction: Root canal therapy is an effective alternative to tooth extraction. It helps save your tooth and avoid the more extensive process of replacing it with a dental implant or bridge.
- Long-Term Results: When performed correctly, root canal therapy can last for many years, and with proper care, the treated tooth can remain functional for a lifetime.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
After your root canal treatment, you may experience mild discomfort or tenderness in the treated area, especially for the first few days. This is completely normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. In most cases, any discomfort will subside within a few days.
Dr. Kourosh may advise you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a permanent crown. This helps protect the tooth while it heals and ensures that you won’t inadvertently damage the filling or treated area.
Schedule Your Consultation for Root Canal Therapy Today
If you’re dealing with a painful tooth or suspect you may need a root canal, don’t wait. At Total Dental Arts, we are committed to providing high-quality, comfortable root canal treatments to help restore your oral health. Our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure your comfort every step of the way. Call (703) 890-3200 today to schedule your consultation.