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Roots Canals

A root canal is necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth, or the tooth has become infected.

Sign And Symptoms You Need A Root Canal:

Recognizing the signs and symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal is crucial for your oral health. These indicators include:

  • Experiencing spontaneous pain even when not eating or drinking.
  • Waking up in the middle of the night due to toothache.
  • Pain that worsens when pressure is applied or during eating.
  • Darkening or discoloration of a tooth.
  • Recurring swelling of the gums.
  • Tenderness in the gums.
  • Extreme sensitivity to cold or heat.

It’s essential not to ignore these signs and symptoms, as doing so can lead to further oral health complications, such as increased pain or the development of an abscessed tooth.

Your Gentle Dental Experience

At Gentle Dental Fort Belvoir, Dr. Duy Nguyen specializes in providing quality root canal treatments to relieve pain and discomfort associated with dental infections and to save teeth that might otherwise need extraction.

 

What To Expect

Once complete anesthesia is achieved, the treatment will be carried out in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of the pulpal tissue. If the tooth was severely infected, we may opt to place medication in the canals for one or two weeks before completing the root canal to thoroughly decontaminate the area. Between treatments, a temporary filling will be used to maintain sterility. Additionally, the height of the tooth may be reduced to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your bite.

Typically, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to prevent future infections. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a porcelain crown to prevent potential fractures.

 

After Your Root Canal

Following the treatment, you may experience some discomfort similar to what you felt before the procedure for about two days. During this time, it’s advisable to avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth until the tenderness subsides. Dr. Duy Nguyen will provide a prescription for the final restoration of the tooth. It’s important to note that teeth with root canals have a slightly higher risk of fracture, so proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your continued oral health.