Root canals often have a bad reputation, but the truth is this common procedure is nothing to fear. In fact, root canals are often nearly painless and should even help relieve pain and discomfort. At Manassas Smiles, we strive to educate our patients about all aspects of their treatment, including procedures such as root canals. Learning why you might need a root canal and what to expect can help ease any anxiety you may have.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Dr. Hassan may recommend a root canal procedure if you have intense pain caused by an infected tooth. In order to alleviate your pain, he will remove the damaged tissue from inside the tooth’s root canals. This minimally invasive procedure can restore the health and stability of your tooth and will prevent the need to have the tooth removed or replaced with a dental implant.
What Will Happen on the Day of My Root Canal?
Dr. Nadder Hassan can use a local anesthetic or one of several sedation dentistry techniques to make you more comfortable during the procedure. A thin latex rubber sheet, called a dental dam, will be placed over the surrounding teeth to keep the tooth being worked on dry and uncontaminated. Dr. Hassan will begin by drilling a small hole in the back of your tooth and carefully remove the infected pulp tissue inside. Then he will thoroughly clean and disinfect the tooth, before filling it with a high-quality biocompatible material. Typically, Dr. Hassan will recommend that you receive a dental crown to protect the tooth and provide stability. A dental crown will fit over your tooth and can be custom designed to match the color of the surrounding teeth.
Often when it comes to dental work, the only thing you have to fear is fear itself. A root canal should alleviate the pain caused by a damaged or infected tooth and allow the tooth to heal. With good dental hygiene and regular professional checkups, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last many years or even a lifetime.
Schedule An Appointment
Are you experiencing tooth pain? Dr. Hassan can help you understand the cause and educate you about all of your treatment options. To schedule an appointment at our Manassas VA dentist office, call (703) 335-1020 or request an appointment online.