- 14631 Lee Hwy STE 201, Centreville, VA 20121
- (703) 890-3200
West Springfield Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy by Total Dental Arts
If you’re suffering from a severely decayed or infected tooth, you might be considering your options for treatment. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective alternative to tooth extraction that can save your natural tooth, allowing you to avoid the complications and costs associated with tooth loss. At Total Dental Arts, Dr. Kourosh and his team provide expert root canal therapy to residents of West Springfield, VA and other communities in Fairfax County, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care. We focus on making the treatment as painless and stress-free as possible, so you can preserve your natural smile.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to treat infection or damage to the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels). When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity, crack, or injury, bacteria can enter and cause further harm. This can result in significant pain, swelling, and the potential spread of infection to other areas. Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and then sealing it to prevent reinfection.
Root canal therapy is highly effective and can help preserve your tooth for many years to come. At Total Dental Arts, we use advanced dental technologies to ensure precision during the procedure, which makes the treatment more comfortable and successful.
To maintain healthy teeth and prevent the need for root canal therapy, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Early detection and treatment can help prevent serious infections and other dental issues.
When Do You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
You may need a root canal if the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Infections are most often caused by untreated cavities, cracks, or trauma to the tooth. Symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal include:
- Persistent tooth pain, particularly when chewing or applying pressure
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers long after the stimulus is removed
- Tender or swollen gums near the affected tooth
- A pimple-like bump on your gums that may drain pus
- A discolored or darkened tooth
- A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
- A loose tooth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist promptly for an examination. Delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain, spread of infection, and even tooth loss.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy in West Springfield, VA
Root canal therapy offers numerous benefits when compared to tooth extraction. By choosing a root canal, you can save your tooth, preserving your natural smile and the function of your mouth. This is especially important for teeth at the back of your mouth, where chewing and grinding force is concentrated. Losing a tooth in this area can lead to bite misalignment, difficulty eating, and potential bone loss in the jaw.
At Total Dental Arts, we use cutting-edge dental technologies to ensure that the root canal procedure is as efficient and comfortable as possible. Our team uses Endolift and Element Connect to perform precise, minimally invasive treatments that improve the outcome and reduce discomfort.
What to Expect Before & During a Root Canal Procedure
Before performing a root canal, Dr. Kourosh will conduct a thorough evaluation of your tooth, which may include digital x-rays to assess the extent of the infection. This step allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan and ensure that the procedure is right for you.
On the day of your procedure, we will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic, ensuring that you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the process. Once you’re numb, Dr. Kourosh will create a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the pulp. He will carefully remove the infected tissue and clean the tooth’s root canals to remove any remaining bacteria.
After cleaning the area, we will fill the tooth with a special material to seal it. We will then place a temporary filling to protect the tooth until you return for a permanent dental crown. The crown will provide added strength and durability, as a tooth that has undergone a root canal is often more fragile than a healthy tooth.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
While root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort after the treatment. The first 24 hours are typically the most uncomfortable, but any pain or swelling can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil. If the infection was particularly severe, the discomfort may last longer, but it should gradually subside over time.
If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, it’s important to take the full course to prevent infection from returning. Make sure to follow Dr. Kourosh’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure the healing process goes smoothly.
Once the tooth has healed, a dental crown will be placed to restore its structure and function. It’s essential to schedule this appointment promptly, as leaving the tooth unprotected could lead to further damage or breakage. The dental crown helps to reinforce the tooth, ensuring it can continue to perform its natural function.
Complications of Root Canal Therapy
Although root canal therapy is generally a safe and effective treatment, complications can sometimes occur. The most common issues include reinfection, cracks, or fractures in the tooth. To minimize the risk of complications, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Kourosh and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
If you experience any unusual symptoms after your procedure, such as severe pain or swelling, it’s essential to contact us immediately. In some rare cases, additional treatment may be required to fully address the issue.
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation in West Springfield, VA
If you suspect that you may need a root canal or if you’re experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth, don’t wait—contact Total Dental Arts today. Dr. Kourosh and his team are here to provide expert root canal therapy and help you preserve your natural teeth for years to come. Call us at (703) 890-3200 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation.