Root Canal & Endodontics in Arlington

Providing relief for infected tooth roots

Root canal therapy is necessary when you’re experiencing inflamed or infected tooth roots. When this occurs, you may experience severe discomfort in the affected area. If you are experiencing issues with your tooth roots, you can take comfort knowing that Virginia Dental Center is here to help. We’ll provide comfortable and effective root canal therapy, so you can get back to smiling again.

Symptoms to look for:

• Pain
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Tenderness when chewing
• Tooth discoloration
• Swelling
• Drainage

What is a root canal?

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is necessary when the inside of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. The inner portion of your tooth that becomes infected is called the pulp. This is a soft tissue in the middle of your tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and extends all the way to the root of your tooth.

Root canal therapy involves cleaning the pulp and filling the space with a biocompatible material. This process ensures that the infection and inflammation are removed, and seals the root canals to make sure your tooth remains healthy.

How is root canal therapy performed?

• First, your dentist will examine your tooth and prepare the area for treatment
• Next, your dentist accesses the infected pulp through the crown of your tooth to clean the affected area and make room for the filling
• Once it’s cleaned, the root canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed
• When the treatment is completed, your dentist will restore your crown to protect and restore its function

Endodontic treatment isn’t as painful as people claim it to be. With modern technology and skilled professionals, Virginia Dental Center can provide root canal therapy that is comfortable, relieving, and preserves your natural tooth.

Benefits of root canal therapy

• Relieve discomfort
• Similar sensation to getting a cavity filled
• Effective results
• Preserve your natural teeth

How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal?

To determine the necessity of root canal treatment, dentists rely on a thorough evaluation process. At our dental office, a Arlington root canal specialist will begin by conducting a detailed examination, carefully noting any visible signs of dental issues. X-rays will be taken to detect any damage or infection lurking beneath the surface.

In addition to the examination and X-rays, the dentist will talk with you about your symptoms. The most common signs that you might need a root canal include feeling spontaneous, unprovoked pain, particularly when biting down. Furthermore, lingering sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink can be another telltale sign that the nerves inside the tooth may be compromised. Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth, facial swelling, or tooth darkening can also signal internal tooth damage or decay requiring immediate attention to save the tooth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a root canal dentist in Arlington.

Endodontist vs. Qualified Root Canal Dentist: Which Should You Choose?

Endodontists are dental specialists who dedicate an additional two years of postgraduate training to treating diseased tooth pulp after completing dental school. Nevertheless, both endodontists and general dentists have the necessary training to perform root canals. However, for more complex cases or instances requiring re-treatment, a referral to an endodontist may be recommended.

What Can I Expect During the Root Canal Procedure?

You can typically expect a root canal to take about an hour. Although the nerve is often dead in the tooth receiving a root canal, anesthesia is administered as needed to ensure your comfort before beginning the treatment. Then, your dentist will place a sheet of rubber to cover the area around the tooth. They will drill an access hole to reach and remove the infected pulp. In some cases, medication may be placed inside the tooth to clear up an infection. If the tooth can't be sealed at the first appointment, you'll receive a temporary filling. At the next appointment, a sealer paste and a rubber compound will be placed into the root canals to seal the interior. You might receive further tooth restoration, such as a crown, to protect and strengthen the tooth. The result is complete relief from pain while retaining your natural teeth.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

When it comes to the cost of root canal procedures, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The actual cost will be determined after one of our qualified root canal specialists examines your mouth and reviews your X-rays. Several factors come into play, including the condition of your tooth and its location within your mouth. Front teeth, being less complex, tend to be more affordable to treat compared to molars, which have multiple roots and require more intricate work. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans include coverage for root canals, which can help alleviate some of the financial concerns. Also, having a dentist perform the procedure is generally more cost-effective than getting treatment from an endodontist. We invite you to schedule an appointment with our office for a personalized evaluation and price estimate.

Understanding Various Types of Root Canal Treatments

Different circumstances may call for specific types of root canal treatments. The standard root canal procedure is a reliable and widely used method to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp. For children with baby teeth, endodontists may employ pulpotomy and pulpectomy techniques, which are similar to root canals but tailored to suit the child's dental needs.

• Pulpotomy: In this procedure, the endodontist removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth's chamber while preserving the healthy pulp so the natural growth of the tooth's root is supported.
• Pulpectomy: When a pulpotomy is deemed insufficient to treat extensive decay or infection in a child's tooth, a pulpectomy is recommended. In this approach, the endodontist fully removes all the pulp, including the roots, to thoroughly address the issue.

To find out what type of treatment is right for you, don't hesitate to contact our experienced team.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

The belief that root canal procedures are painful is simply a myth. Dentists use local anesthetics to numb the treatment area, effectively stopping toothache pain during the procedure. If you are experiencing a toothache caused by infected or damaged pulp, postponing treatment can worsen the underlying issue and lead to even more pain. Please contact our office and schedule an appointment. We are dedicated to providing a pain-free and comfortable dental experience to all our patients.

How Do I Find a Dentist for Root Canal Near Me?

Don't let tooth pain hold you back any longer. Reach out to us today to find a trusted dentist specializing in root canals near you. The sooner you call for an appointment, the sooner you will be smiling again!