People all over the world have been conditioned to recoil at the phrase “root canal” for years. With modern technology and the expertise of Francisco Rodriguez, DMD, and the team at Gentle Touch Dental PC, a root canal can doesn’t have to be scary anymore. In fact, a root canal can help save your existing teeth! If you suspect you’re suffering from inflammation or an infection deep in your tooth, and you want to save it, call the practice located in Falls Church, Virginia, or book a root canal procedure online.
A root canal, also known as root canal therapy, is a way to treat infected or inflamed pulp. The pulp is soft tissue deep inside your tooth that can become infected by bacteria, disease, or a traumatic injury.
An untreated pulp infection can lead to pain, tooth abscesses, and, sometimes, the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.
Root canals eliminate infection, prevent reinfection, and save your damaged tooth.
Gentle Touch Dental PC employs a simplified root canal therapy procedure that uses the latest technologies and minimizes your discomfort. Root canals require a few steps, including:
First, the practice takes X-rays of the affected tooth. Then, they inject the area with a local anesthetic.
Next, they keep the area clean and free from saliva by placing a sterile, protective sheet over the area.
Next, the practice opens the crown of your tooth and reaches in with tiny files. They use these files to remove damaged nerve tissue, pulp, and bacteria, as well as any decay they find.
They then clean and sterilize your tooth.
If your tooth needs it, the practice next shapes the inner canals of your tooth before filling it. After it’s clean and prepped, they fill the canal with a rubber-like, biocompatible filling material, like gutta-percha, and then they temporarily seal the tooth.
Finally, you return about a week later, and the practice removes the temporary filling and replaces it with a permanent one. They then top the filling with a porcelain or metal crown to protect it.
After treatment, expect your tooth to be sensitive until the inflammation goes down and your tooth fully heals.
Root canals are for people who are suffering from a painfully inflamed or infected root in their tooth.
Symptoms of conditions that may require root canal therapy include:
A root canal may also be a good choice for you if a tooth injury or faulty crown has led to an infection.
If you think you may need a root canal, but you’re nervous, you can set your mind at ease. Modern root canals aren’t the monstrous procedures of the past that scared generations of dental patients. Instead, they’re now fairly comfortable, especially with anesthesia.
Don’t let dental fear hold you back. If you suspect that your tooth pain is coming from inflammation or infection, call Gentle Touch Dental PC or book an evaluation online today.
