Root Canal Root canals have long been associated with painfully invasive dental procedures which cause pain for the patient. The root canal dental procedure has improved over time and become one of the most widely performed dental surgeries available. It can be completed over the course of two office visits and will alleviate all of the associated symptoms with the tooth in question. It will restore lost functionality immediately and remove the pain associated with eating and chewing. Patients who have these symptoms or suspect they might need a root canal should come into one of our Smile Makers Dental Center offices and let us evaluate their situation. The ProcedureIn order for the root canal to be successful, all of the dead tissue, bacteria, plaque, and debris needs to be removed from the site. If any bacteria remain during the procedure, an infection can set in once again and damage the repaired tooth by attacking the pulp and the dentin in the interior of the tooth which could result in losing the tooth entirely. A generous amount of numbing agent is applied to the tooth and gum, so the area is desensitized enough for the patient to not feel any discomfort during the root canal. A dental dam is also used to keep the compromised tooth clean and dry during the procedure. Drills are used to expose the interior portions of the tooth, beneath the outer layer of enamel. This is so the infected portions can be removed. If the dentin and pulp are deemed infected, then those areas will need to be removed as well so the tooth is entirely infection-free. Once the infected tissue is removed, the empty chamber of the tooth is filled with resin and then sealed beneath a crown. Root Canal Recovery GuidelinesRoot canals are can cause some discomfort during recovery. To avoid root canals in the future, patients should floss and brush at least two times a day. It is important for patients to watch what they eat during the first seven days following the root canal procedure. Patients should not eat any hard foods such as raw vegetables, fingernails, pen caps, or ice. The tooth needs to heal completely before patients should eat raw vegetables but should never chew on anything that isn't food. Once the tooth has completely healed following the root canal, patients can expect the tooth's life expectancy to be greatly increased. For those patients who have questions regarding root canals and want answers, please contact our Smile Makers Dental Center office. We can be reached by phone at one of our locations to get an appointment scheduled. Any patient suffering from acute tooth or jaw pain should be seen immediately. A root canal could be the answer to alleviating those symptoms and restoring the health of the oral cavity. Why suffer through the pain? Give us a call today to get your treatment started and your initial office visit scheduled. |
 Bailey's Crossroads5659 Columbia Pike, Ste 100 Falls Church, VA (571) 648-1711 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am - 5pm City of Falls Church313 Park Avenue, Ste 101 Falls Church, VA (571) 648-1713 Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm Fairfax2810 Old Lee Highway, Ste 200A Fairfax, VA (571) 773-6563 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10am - 6pm Friday: 9am - 5pm Leesburg19 Catoctin Cir NE Leesburg, VA (540) 882-0421 Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 5pm, Saturday: By Appointment Tysons8310 Old Courthouse Road, Ste A Tysons, VA (571) 773-6582 Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: By Appointment Woodbridge14416 Richmond Hwy Ste 16 Woodbridge, VA (571) 628-8583 Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pmSaturday: By Appointment |
