Will my root canal treatment be painful?
We hear this question all of the time, and we understand that root canals have gotten a bad rap in dentistry. What you may not know is that most patients feel relief from their painful symptoms after treatment. Infected teeth can be very painful; a root canal is designed to remove the inflamed tissue, alleviating the unpleasant symptoms that most likely made the patient visit our dentist office in the first place.
While you may feel some discomfort after treatment, it is essential to know that during your procedure, our Manassas Smiles dental care team will ensure your optimal comfort. Dr. Hassan offers sedation dentistry methods to keep patients relaxed and calm during their root canal treatment. Our team will provide personalized aftercare instructions to help foster a quick and comfortable recovery. Patients typically fully recover from their root canal after just a day or two and can return to their routine activities without any pain.
Treatment for Advanced Tooth Decay
Root canals are a commonly misunderstood dental procedure. This week we will take a closer look at the root canal procedure. Understanding the purpose of the treatment can help patients feel more confident when coming to Manassas Smiles for a root canal.
The Root Canal Procedure
- Tooth decay weakens the enamel of the tooth allowing for bacteria to enter into the pulp. Infected pulp becomes inflamed and painful. Patients with an infected root canal often experience difficulty chewing, and may feel sharp shooting pains. For the majority of the patient’s pain associated with a root canal treatment comes from the pain caused by the infection. In many cases, removing the infected pulp releases pressure on the nerves, relieving painful symptoms.
- If a root canal is necessary to restore the infected tooth, Dr. Hassan will create an opening in the tooth so that he can access the infection. Root canals are a conservative treatment option for infected teeth, often eliminating the need for a tooth extraction.
- Using an endodontic file, Dr. Hassan will gently remove the infected pulp from within the tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepped for restoration.
- A composite material called gutta percha will be inserted into the tooth’s root canals to help stabilize the tooth’s structure.
- Next, a dental filling material will fill the remaining space left by the removed tissue. White dental fillings can be used to match the tooth for a more natural and aesthetic result.
- Depending on the extent of the decay, a dental crown may be needed to support the remaining natural tooth. A dental crown is made of high quality, light-reflective ceramic material that is designed to match adjacent teeth for a predictable, long-lasting result.
Are You Experiencing Tooth Pain?
Routine dental checkups, professional teeth cleaning, and proactive at home oral hygiene can help keep your teeth healthy. It is vital to visit Manassas Smiles as soon as you begin to experience tooth pain. Addressing dental concerns as early as possible allows for more conservative treatment options. Tooth decay that patients ignore can often develop into an infected root canal. If you have tooth pain, call our Manassas, VA dentist office at (703) 335-1020 or use our convenient online form to request a consultation.