Restore Health to Your Teeth
If you have an infected, injured or dead root pulp, chances are you have experienced moderate to severe pain, swelling and bad breath. The infection needs to be taken care of quickly before it leads to other, more serious, health problems. A root canal is your best option for restoring the infected tooth to a state of health and function.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from your tooth. The space inside the hard layers of each tooth is called the root canal system. This system is filled with soft dental pulp made up of nerves and blood vessels that help your tooth grow and develop. When bacteria (germs) enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, your tooth can become abscessed. An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infection in the pulp. If pulp becomes infected, it needs to be removed. An abscessed tooth may cause pain and/or swelling. We may notice the infection from a dental x-ray or from other changes with the tooth. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause serious oral health problems.
How is a root canal treatment done?
Once you are anesthetized and your tooth is protected from saliva, an opening is made to the infected pulp, and by the use of very fine and specialized instruments the root canals are cleaned and then filled.
Tooth restoration after root canal treatment
After a root canal treatment, your tooth has to be restored to look, feel and work as much like a natural tooth as possible by fabricating a post and crown.
What else should I know?
Root canal treatment may be done in 1 or 2 appointments. After root canal treatment, your tooth may be tender for the first week or two. Bad pain or swelling are NOT common.
You can still get a cavity or gum disease after a root canal treatment. Root canal treatment does not protect your tooth from other types of damage. With proper care and regular dental visits, the tooth could last as long as your other teeth.
Contact us today at 703-442-0442 to schedule a complimentary consultation!
