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Root Canal Treatment

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Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatments are used when the root of a tooth has become infected. If left untreated, the infection will lead to loss of the tooth. During the root canal procedure, the infected portion of the root is removed, the infection is treated, and a dental filling is placed in the empty portion of the root. Although many people refer to the procedure itself by the name ‘root canal,’ in fact the term refers to the physical canal located within the root, not to the procedure used to treat an infection in this canal.
“These folks were just fantastic. The root canal was in a difficult place in my mouth, but Dr. Kamboh did a superb job. He and his staff made my root canal as comfortable and easy as possible.

Calvin, Leesburg, VA

Calvin began experiencing sensitivity in one of his teeth, which at first didn’t seem like a big deal. Then, the sensitivity wouldn’t go away. “Whenever I ate something even mildly cold, it was like an ice pick was chipping at my tooth. I knew something was wrong,” he says.

He made an appointment to see Dr. Kamboh to find out what the problem was. A dental exam and x-rays revealed that the tissue inside his tooth was infected and root canal therapy was needed. Calvin admits he was nervous about the procedure. “Who looks forward to a root canal? But Dr. Kamboh made it the best.”

Calvin’s procedure went smoothly and his pain and extreme sensitivity is now gone. “I highly recommend these folks. They really make each patient feel special!”

An untreated cavity is the main reason to perform a root canal procedure.

If Dr. Kamboh has recently recommended a root canal procedure, you may be wondering what causes a root canal infection. As the tooth decay erodes the tooth enamel, bacteria is able to enter the root, or pulp, of the tooth. This infection can be painful and cause swelling around the tooth. If you experience pain when touching the tooth or using it to chew, or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods, you may need root canal treatment.
First, your Lansdowne root canal dentist performs an x-ray to confirm the source of the pain. Then, the root canal procedure is performed, usually lasting one to two hours. Two visits may be needed if the anatomy of the tooth makes the procedure more complicated or to ensure that an active infection is gone.
During the procedure, as your root canal dentist, Dr. Kamboh will first remove the infected root of the tooth. Although this procedure has a reputation for being painful, the anesthesia used means that it should not be any more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. To access the infection, Dr. Kamboh creates a small hole in the tooth, through which the infected pulp is removed. Special tools are used to remove the pulp from the root canal. The tooth may have more than one root canal that will need to be cleaned out in this manner; some molars have as many as four separate root canals. If any of the roots are not effectively cleaned, the infection may remain after the procedure.
Then, the space left by the tooth decay is filled in with a dental filling known as gutta percha. A crown is often placed over the tooth to stabilize it and keep it from breaking, since dental root canals affect the structural integrity of the tooth. After a root canal procedure, you can expect soreness and tooth sensitivity. Avoid chewing on the tooth until it has fully healed. Your root canal dentist may prescribe antibiotics if the infection has affected surrounding tissues.
We look forward to serving you, so for any questions on root canal therapy or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office, and a member of our team will be glad to help you.

Common FAQs on Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a process in which the top of the tooth is opened and the nerve is accessed. The dentist or endodontist uses special tools to carefully remove the nerve from the tooth. The empty nerve space is then filled with a dental material, and the tooth is restored with a crown or filling. After a root canal, the tooth can be sore for a few days, but patients typically feel immediate relief from their toothache.

For most patients, root canal recovery only takes a few days. You’ll probably experience some mild soreness for the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, but taking over-the-counter pain medication or applying a cold compress should be enough to manage it. If you have severe pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a week, call your healthcare provider.

Usually, root canals are performed as a final measure to save a tooth that has been traumatized from either decay or an accident. Ideally, a root canal will last as long as a crown can last. Regular checkups with your dentist will allow your dentist to identify any early issues that may arise from a root canal-treated tooth. Maintaining your oral home care, including brushing and flossing, can help support the longevity of the root canal and crown.

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