Did you know that more than 15 million root canals are performed every year? This simple treatment can save your natural teeth for a lifetime and prevent the need for tooth extraction and dental implants.

What is a Root Canal?

At the center of your tooth is the pulp that can become infected due to deep decay, trauma of the tooth, cracks, and chips, or repeated dental procedures. During root canal therapy, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed from the tooth and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth.

You may need root canal treatment if you experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain or swelling in the tooth or gums
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures on the tooth
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Your endodontist will provide a local anesthetic at the site of the tooth to numb the infected area. Once the area is numb, your endodontist will remove the injured pulp and then clean and seal the root canal system thoroughly. Most treatments are completed in one visit that takes less than a few hours, however, more complex cases may require more time or a second visit to our office to finish treatment. Root canal success occurs in about 90% of patient cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, your endodontist will inform you during your evaluation or when a complication becomes evident during treatment.

After root canal therapy is completed, we will send treatment records to your referring doctor and/or general dentist. You will need to contact their office to schedule the final restoration of the treated tooth within a few weeks of receiving treatment. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment, however, if a problem does occur, please contact our office at (804)501-0501 to inform us of your concerns.

To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

DO YOU NEED ROOT CANAL THERAPY NEAR YOU?

It’s important to us that you are provided with the best endodontic treatment in the area. Contact us today to get started and learn more about the services we provide patients!