Root Canals
Root canal treatments (endodontic therapy) are needed whenever an untreated dental cavity damages the nerves or pulp of a tooth. Once the pulp becomes infected, it can create an abscess. Dr. Zahir performs Root canal therapy to remove the infected material so you can begin recovering.
When the pulp is infected, it may be painful and will require treatment as it cannot heal on its own. Symptoms which indicate infected pulp include:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets
- Pain from biting or pressure
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums
- Pimple on the gums
- Bad taste in the mouth
Root Canal Therapy in Chesapeake, VA
A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The damaged nerve tissue or pulp has to be removed to prevent further infection, swelling, bone loss, and drainage problems from the root. Alternate treatment would be to extract the tooth, but this is not usually recommended. Tooth extraction costs more than a root canal, takes a longer treatment time, and requires additional procedures for the adjacent teeth and tissues.
Although root canals are said to be quite painful, many patients report it is no more painful than getting a filling. In fact, the tooth pain leading up to the root canal procedure is more painful than the treatment itself. A root canal procedure involves a few simple steps:
- X-ray to find out the extent of the infection and the shape of the root canals
- Local anesthesia numbs the area near the affected tooth
- A hole is drilled in the tooth
- Pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and other debris are removed using root canal files
- The canal is filled in, preventing any further infection
Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your dentist's instructions carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call the dentist.
If good oral hygiene is practiced at home and you continue regular dental visits, your restored tooth can remain healthy. There are many advantages to saving a natural tooth with a root canal treatment including efficient chewing, natural appearance, normal biting force and sensation, and it protects other teeth from extreme wear and staining.
Root Canal Payment Plans
A painful infection should not be ignored because of financial concerns. At Cedar Road Dental, We accept cash or personal check, credit cards, CareCredit cards, and accept most major insurance plans. Please call our office so that we can answer any of your concerns at 757-548-0000.