Root Canal Therapy in Virginia Beach, VA
Personalized Dental Care for a Healthier,
More Confident Smile
Root canal therapy can treat an infected or inflamed tooth while helping preserve your natural tooth. At The Art of Dentistry, treatment is tailored to address the source of the problem, restore comfort, and support the long-term health and function of your smile.
RESTORATIONS
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy, also called root canal treatment or endodontic treatment, is used to treat a tooth when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. During treatment, the affected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, and the root canals are filled and sealed.
Root canal treatment can allow a dentist to save a natural tooth that might otherwise require extraction. Once treatment is completed, the tooth can continue to function normally and may be restored with a filling or crown depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the location of the tooth.
The Art of Dentistry provides root canal therapy in Virginia Beach for patients experiencing symptoms or dental conditions that may affect the pulp of a tooth. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and discuss the appropriate treatment based on your individual needs.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures, or trauma can cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected.
Root canal treatment removes the affected pulp and cleans and disinfects the root canal system before sealing it. This allows the natural tooth to remain in place rather than being extracted when the tooth can be successfully treated.
When Is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
A root canal may be recommended when the pulp inside a tooth has become irreversibly inflamed or infected. Common causes include:
- Deep tooth decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Dental trauma or injury
- Repeated procedures on the same tooth
- Damage to the tooth’s pulp
- Infection or an abscess associated with the tooth
Some teeth requiring root canal treatment cause significant symptoms, while others may have little or no noticeable discomfort. A dental examination is necessary to determine whether the pulp has been affected and what treatment is appropriate.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the problem. Possible signs that a tooth may need root canal treatment include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
- A pimple or abscess on the gums
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- Tooth discoloration
- Symptoms that come and go or no symptoms at all
Not every toothache requires a root canal, and some teeth that need treatment may not cause obvious symptoms. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity, a dental evaluation can help determine the cause.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy is designed to treat the infected or inflamed pulp while preserving the natural tooth.
Benefits can include:
Saving The Natural Tooth
Root canal treatment can allow a damaged or infected tooth to remain in place.
Restoring Normal Function
After the tooth has been properly restored, it can continue to support normal biting and chewing.
Preserving Your Natural Smile
Keeping the natural tooth can help maintain the appearance of your smile.
Addressing Infection
Treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp and cleans and seals the root canal system.
Avoiding Extraction When Possible
When a tooth can be successfully treated, root canal therapy provides an alternative to removing it.
Is Root Canal Therapy Right for You?
Root canal treatment may be appropriate if the pulp inside your tooth is inflamed or infected but the tooth can still be successfully restored.
Your dentist will consider factors such as:
- The extent of decay or infection
- The condition of the tooth
- Whether the tooth is cracked or fractured
- The amount of healthy tooth structure remaining
- The location of the tooth
- Your overall oral health
In some situations, a tooth may not be restorable and extraction may need to be considered. Your dentist can explain your treatment options and whether root canal therapy is appropriate for your tooth.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve?
Root canal treatment may be completed in one or more appointments depending on the tooth, the extent of the infection, and the treatment required. The general process includes:
1. Dental Examination
Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and evaluate your symptoms. Dental X-rays or other appropriate imaging may be used to assess the tooth and surrounding structures.
2. Numbing the Tooth
Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Modern dental anesthesia is designed to keep patients comfortable during root canal treatment.
3. Accessing the Tooth
Once the tooth is numb, an opening is made through the top of the tooth to provide access to the pulp chamber and root canals. The tooth is isolated during treatment to help keep the treatment area clean and dry.
4. Removing the Affected Pulp
Specialized instruments are used to remove the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth. The root canals are then cleaned and shaped to prepare them for sealing.
5. Cleaning and Sealing the Root Canals
After the canals have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, they are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material, commonly gutta-percha. A temporary or permanent restoration may be placed to close the access opening.
6. Restoring the Tooth
After root canal treatment, the tooth needs a final restoration to protect it and restore its function. Depending on the tooth’s location and the amount of remaining structure, this may involve a filling or dental crown. Back teeth that withstand greater chewing forces commonly require full-coverage crowns, while some front teeth may not.
The Art of Dentistry is proudly affiliated with Atlantic Dental Care, PLC
The Art of Dentistry is proudly affiliated with Atlantic Dental Care, PLC
Caring for Your Tooth After a Root Canal
Some patients experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days after root canal treatment, particularly when the tooth was infected or painful before treatment. Follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your dentist and continue brushing and flossing regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
Until the tooth has been permanently restored, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth. Attend any recommended follow-up appointments and have the permanent filling or crown placed when recommended by your dentist.
Once the tooth has been properly restored and cared for, a root canal-treated tooth can continue functioning for many years, and many treated teeth can last a lifetime. Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms after treatment.
Some patients experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days after root canal treatment, particularly when the tooth was infected or painful before treatment. Follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your dentist and continue brushing and flossing regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
Until the tooth has been permanently restored, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth. Attend any recommended follow-up appointments and have the permanent filling or crown placed when recommended by your dentist.
Once the tooth has been properly restored and cared for, a root canal-treated tooth can continue functioning for many years, and many treated teeth can last a lifetime. Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms after treatment.
A Root Canal Virginia Beach Can Depend On
The Art of Dentistry provides root canal therapy in Virginia Beach for patients experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, infection, or other problems that may involve the pulp of a tooth.
Our dental team can evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause of the problem, and explain whether root canal treatment or another restorative option is appropriate. When a tooth can be successfully treated, root canal therapy may allow you to preserve your natural tooth and restore its function.
If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain or other symptoms associated with a damaged or infected tooth, schedule a dental evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canal treatment is performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Some tenderness or sensitivity may occur for a few days afterward, particularly if the tooth was infected before treatment.
How long does a root canal take?
Treatment time varies depending on the tooth and the complexity of the infection or damage. Your dentist can provide a more specific estimate after examining the tooth.
Can a root canal save my natural tooth?
In many cases, root canal treatment can allow a damaged or infected tooth to be preserved rather than removed. Whether a tooth can be saved depends on its condition and whether it can be properly restored.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
A crown may be recommended after root canal treatment depending on the location of the tooth, how much natural tooth structure remains, and the tooth’s functional demands. Your dentist will determine the appropriate final restoration for your tooth.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
A root canal-treated tooth can function for many years when it is properly restored and maintained. Regular dental care and good oral hygiene can help protect the treated tooth and your overall oral health.
What should I do if my tooth still hurts after a root canal?
Some mild tenderness is normal after treatment, but severe or persistent pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms should be evaluated by your dentist. Contact The Art of Dentistry if you have concerns following your treatment.
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation
in Virginia Beach
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation in Virginia Beach
If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or other symptoms that may indicate an infected or damaged tooth, The Art of Dentistry can evaluate your condition and discuss your treatment options.
Contact The Art of Dentistry today to learn more about root canal therapy in Virginia Beach and schedule an appointment.
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