Root Canal in Woodbridge, VA

Root canals are common dental procedures in Woodbridge, VA. This treatment is the best way to save a tooth that has sustained moderate to severe damage. While there are ways to replace missing teeth, a reputable dentist will always strive to preserve the mouth’s natural structure whenever possible.

Why Do Dentists Perform Root Canals?

There are a number of reasons why you might need a root canal:

• Decay: When a tooth starts to decay, the dentist will reinforce it with a composite filling. If the decay progresses to the point where it’s no longer advisable to fill the tooth, the doctor will perform a root canal instead.
• Cracks: A cracked tooth doesn’t always need additional treatment. Sometimes, you might just cover it with a veneer (which can help improve its functionality). However, if the crack is too deep or severe, a root canal stops bacteria from entering the pulp.
• Trauma: If a tooth sustains internal trauma, it can damage the pulp of the tooth to the point of no return. Physical trauma, whether it’s from a fall or a car accident, often results in cracking or chipping of teeth, but not always.
• Failed procedures: If you’ve had several fillings on the same tooth, it may be time to scrap the stale solutions. A root canal can repair the tooth once and for all.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Root canals are not usually painful, though they sometimes get a bad reputation. Endodontists are trained to handle an array of root canals, and between their expertise and advancements in medicine, most patients face very little inconvenience from the service.

If you choose not to have a root canal (or to avoid the issue altogether), the tooth is more likely to become inflamed. This not only results in more pain when eating or drinking, but it also increases the chances that you’ll lose the tooth entirely. If you have to have an extraction, the missing tooth can lead to a shifting of the rest of your teeth as they close in to fill the space.

How Does a Root Canal Work?

The term root canal is a reference to the root of the tooth. During the procedure, the dentist will clean the entire root out and seal off the entrance to the root so the pulp can’t become infected. Once this is completed, the dentist can keep most of the tooth intact.

Should you need a root canal, your appointments will typically include the following:

• X-rays: The X-ray will show the dentist how far the damage stretches in the tooth. You may need multiple pictures taken from several angles for the dentist to really assess the problem. In some cases, you may need a more detailed scan for further context.
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is usually enough for root canals, though you can talk to a dentist in Woodbridge, VA about additional sedation options. Like root canals, sedation dentistry has come a long way, so it may be worth finding out what’s available.
• Dental dam: A dental dam separates the damaged tooth from your healthy teeth. Made of rubber, it keeps the tooth dry as the endodontist takes the next step.
• Removal: Next, the dentist will remove the nerves, tissues, and vessels inside the tooth. They’ll use very small instruments to minimize trauma to the tooth, and they’ll access the pulp inside through a very small opening at the top of the tooth.
• Cleaning: The endodontist meticulously attends to the tooth during the cleaning process, ensuring that everything has been removed and that there are no remnants of disinfection left.
• Filling/sealing: The endodontist will fill up the canal with a biocompatible material that replaces the original tissues. Your tooth will continue to be nourished by the vessels and nerves of the remaining teeth. They’ll also apply a sealant as a temporary filling, so you don’t have to worry about bacteria moving into the space.
• Crowns: A crown is usually the last step of the root canal process, though there are some exceptions to this rule (usually depending on the tooth’s position). There are several options when it comes to crowns, both in terms of strength, accessibility, and affordability. It helps to talk to a dentist before settling on the right one for you.

What Are Some Signs You Need a Root Canal in Woodbridge, VA?

If you need a root canal, there are some tell-tale signs to look for:

• Sensitivity: If your teeth are extremely sensitive to hot or cold, it could indicate that the tooth’s nerve is inflamed or infected. If you’ve been using special toothpaste without any results, you may want to see if a root canal is the next step.
• Pain: You’ll usually feel pain when biting down or chewing, though you might feel a throbbing or ache even when you’re in the middle of dinner.
• Pimples: If you feel pimples along your gum above a certain tooth, this could be a sign of inflammation within the tooth’s nerves and tissues.
• Swelling: Similar to pimples, your gums may swell due to the infection.

These symptoms are not specific to root canals. For example, if you have pain in a tooth, you may just need a filling. Or you may just need an antibacterial rinse if you have a pimple on your gum. You shouldn’t try to self-diagnose if you have any of these symptoms. Instead, talk to a root canal specialist to figure out the best treatment is for you.

How Long Does the Recovery Period Last After a Root Canal?

This question depends on the severity of the root canal. Some procedures are complicated, entailing several appointments. However, most standard services result in numbness for a few hours after the procedure and manageable pain for the next few days. In general, you can control any discomfort with standard over-the-counter medications. If you experience more debilitating pain, you’ll need to call your endodontist or dentist to assess your body’s reaction to the root canal. In some cases, you may just need a stronger painkiller. In rarer circumstances, you may need a root canal retreatment.

To accelerate recovery after a root canal, you can also:

• Gargle salt water: Root canals are relatively gentle all things considered, but they do leave your mouth tender and more susceptible to outside threats. Warm salt water is antibacterial, and gargling it cleans your mouth and potentially reduces the odds of gum infection.
• Avoid potential inflammation: Take a few days off from strenuous sports and cut out hot beverages, hard foods, and smoking. Try to stay away from any foods that you suck on or straws. The sucking motion can not only dislodge the blood clot; it can irritate the healing site, so it takes longer to mend.

Find an Endodontist in Woodbridge, VA

It can be easy to put off a root canal or to assume that you have more time to address the problem than you actually do. However, if you don’t want to deal with the loss of a tooth, it’s important not to put off treatment for any reason.

Most root canals follow a set framework, but because you have your own unique oral health and body chemistry, the background and reputation of the endodontist can make a huge difference in the outcome of the procedure. If you’re looking for the best team to work with, contact Niles Dental for more information.