Endodontic or root canal therapy is needed when the pulp in the tooth’s roots become damaged, either by decay or infection. If the infected pulp and nerves in the tooth are neglected and are not removed, the infection can easily turn into an abscess. The appearance of an abscess is a sign of a serious problem because it could indicate that bone loss in the jaw has occurred or is occurring.
Root canal treatment can help save the tooth, prevent further damage to your smile, and be cost-effective in the long run. It is long lasting and often recommended over tooth extraction, which would need an additional restorative procedure, such as a dental implant or dental bridge.
Getting professional treatment by our Falls Church dentist Dr. Dang to treat major dental health problems can help alleviate symptoms and get your oral health back on track.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Although symptoms of a sick tooth vary according to every patient, there are various indicators that can help warn an individual of a problem. Neglecting the symptoms of a damaged tooth can result in serious repercussions that can devastate your smile.
When looking for symptoms of a damaged tooth, signs you should look out for include:
- Tenderness or sensitivity
- A severe toothache that won’t go away
- Pimples or abscesses on the gums
- Sensitivity to cold or hot drinks and foods
If you can relate to the symptoms mentioned, which correlate to a damaged tooth, it might be time to seek professional dental treatment. Neglecting to give your teeth the attention they need can result in serious consequences.
Root Canal Treatment
Once Dr. Dang determines that endodontic treatment is needed to save the infected tooth, the procedure will begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Our Falls Church dentist will then drill into the tooth – creating an opening into the canal within the root of the tooth.
The opening will make a way for the dentist to remove the infected tissue and clean out the tooth. Once the tooth has been successfully cleaned, it will be filled with a sealant called gutta percha.
In order to guarantee the success of the root canal treatment, add stability to the tooth, and ensure that it doesn’t get infected again, it’s highly recommended to get fitted with a crown. Use of a dental crown will not only improve the aesthetic look of the smile but will also help restore dental function.
What to Expect After Treatment
After your root canal procedure, normal symptoms such as soreness and discomfort may be experienced but will gradually subside as the surgical site heals. Although root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful or scary, that is no longer the case. In fact, with the development of dental technology, root canal therapy can now be performed with little to no pain.
The use of local anesthetics and proper pain medication are generally more than enough to manage pain during treatment. Additionally, patients who undergo root canal treatment might find over-the-counter painkillers sufficient to treat pain and discomfort after the procedure. However, depending on the patient and their particular case, Dr. Dang may prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms.