If you delay your root canal therapy, you’ll end up in never ending pain and likely lose your tooth. The infection could even spread to your other teeth, or to other parts of your body.
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Discover Comfortable Root Canal Treatment in Alexandria, VA
We understand that the thought of a root canal makes many patients nervous. But there’s no need for anxiety!
At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we use modern techniques and highly effective anesthetics that make the process comfortable and efficient.
With the skill and expertise of an experienced dentist or endodontist, the procedure is easier than you ever imagined a root canal could be.
Root Canal Treatment Options Save Teeth
A root infection develops when bacteria enter the innermost part of your tooth, called the dental pulp. This can occur due to dental trauma, old, deteriorating fillings, or a cracked or broken tooth that provides an access point for the bacteria.
What’s the dental pulp? The pulp extends from the visible crown down to the top of the tooth’s root in the jawbone. Infection of this tissue can lead to an abscessed tooth.
Common symptoms of infected pulp include persistent and severe tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold. Other symptoms include swelling or gum tenderness, and even tooth discoloration.
The way we save an infected or abscessed tooth is to perform root canal treatment. The only other option is to remove the tooth.
How common are root canals?
According to the International Endodontic Journal, a study found that nearly 56% of people have at least one root-filled tooth. That means more than half of adults worldwide have undergone root canal therapy at least once in their lives.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
Do you need a root canal? A variety of symptoms indicate an infected or abscessed tooth that requires prompt treatment:
- Jaw swelling or severe pain
- Tooth pain that worsens over time
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- A whitish bump or “pimple” on the gums
- Red, swollen, or inflamed gums
- A foul taste or odor in your mouth
However, it’s not uncommon for a root infection to be asymptomatic. That’s why routine dental check-ups are so important. So, our team can detect a tooth infection early on before it becomes painful.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment for Dental Health
Root canal treatment in Alexandria is more comfortable and stress-free than ever before. Take a look at the benefits of root canal therapy, from saving teeth to relieving pain.
Relieves Painful Toothaches
Root canals quickly relieve tooth pain due to infection or damage. The procedure removes infected tooth pulp. It also thoroughly cleans the natural tooth so you can return to your daily activities without pain.
Preserves Natural Teeth
Root canal treatment is designed to save your natural tooth and prevent the need for tooth extraction. By treating the serious infection and sealing the decayed tooth, you can maintain your natural smile and avoid tooth loss.
Improves Oral Health
Root canal treatment in Alexandria helps eliminate harmful bacteria within a tooth. It also reduces the risk of issues like abscesses. Addressing the underlying problem ultimately improves your overall oral health.
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Comfortable, Stress-Free Root Canal Procedure
A root canal doesn’t have to be something painful to dread. The right dentist or endodontist can help relieve your anxiety. They’ll also keep the procedure cleaning the inside of the tooth as pain-free as possible.
Numb the Diseased Tooth
After diagnosing the infection using digital X-rays and 3-D cone beam CT scans, we thoroughly numb the tooth with local anesthetic. If you have been in pain, you will experience desperately-needed relief once the anesthetic takes hold.
Dr. Chin will also use a rubberlike sheet called a dental dam to keep your tooth clean, protected, and free of saliva during the procedure.
We also offer nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to take the edge off your anxiety. That way, you can have a stress-free dental procedure.
Complete Endodontic Treatment
The next step is to access the diseased pulp chamber by creating a tiny hole in the tooth. The tooth pulp is a spongy material that contains the tooth’s nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Dr. Chin then uses advanced rotary endodontics technology to efficiently and meticulously remove every trace of infected pulp. Her modern techniques make receiving a root canal just as comfortable as a standard filling.
Next, she disinfects the space in the hollowed-out pulp chamber and fills it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to help prevent further infection.
Seal and Crown the Treated Tooth
The final step is to seal the access hole with a temporary filling. It’s common to experience some soreness after your procedure. But taking an over-the-counter pain medication will provide prompt relief.
Completing a root canal procedure requires more than one visit with your dentist. After about two weeks of healing, Dr. Chin will check to ensure the infection is eliminated.
Then she’ll place a crown or final filling to replace the temporary filling, protect and restore the tooth.
The dental crown will restore chewing function, although you should avoid eating for a few hours after the procedure while the numbness in your mouth wears off.
Ultimately, the root canal and crown or other restoration will also help prevent bone loss and keep the adjacent teeth from shifting.
Call Us for Prompt Root Canal Pain Relief in Alexandria, VA
If you experience a throbbing toothache or any of the above symptoms, please call our Alexandria, VA, dental office.
In the case of an infected tooth, postponing treatment can have serious consequences, including deadly systemic infection.
Our friendly dental team will help schedule an emergency dental appointment. So, we can see you promptly and provide the relief you need.
If you are in the surrounding communities, including Franconia, Kingstowne, Springfield, West Springfield, North Springfield, Fairfax, Lincolnia, Annandale, Manassas, and Falls Church, we serve you too!
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Dental Medicine Technology for Root Canal Treatment
Here at LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, our goal is to provide the best dental medicine with the best technology available. That includes tools to relieve your stress, as well as tools that speed up the root canal process.
Nitrous Oxide
Also called laughing gas or inhalation sedation, nitrous oxide is a great solution to relieve dental anxiety.
What is Laughing Gas?
Nitrous oxide is a slightly sweet-smelling gas blended with oxygen that you breathe in through a soft, comfortable nasal mask. As you inhale, you’ll begin to feel drowsy and a little fuzzy. You won’t be as aware of the activity around you.
After Receiving Nitrous Oxide
When we finish your procedure, we stop administering nitrous and have you inhale pure oxygen for several minutes. When you leave us, you will feel clear-headed and refreshed. You can safely drive yourself home from your dental appointment at LIFE Advanced Integrity Dentistry.
Rotary Endodontics
If you don’t like root canals, you’ll appreciate our new technology, It streamlines the procedure so you spend less time in the dental chair.
Modern Technology
With rotary endodontics, modern technology replaces manual instruments. It does a precise and thorough job of cleaning infected root canals.
Instead of painstakingly cleaning out the root canal by hand, electrically-driven rotary endodontics uses a flexible tip to do the job.
Rotary Endodontic Treatment Benefits
The benefit for you is a more comfortable and efficient procedure. You’ll also enjoy no strange or unpleasant sensations.
The flexible tip also allows our dentist to reach into curved canals and efficiently remove every trace of infection.
Don’t Postpone a Root Canal Because of Anxiety!
Dental anxiety keeps many people from getting the treatment they need. But delaying a root canal only makes the problem worse.
An untreated tooth infection can spread quickly, leading to severe pain, swelling, and even tooth loss.
At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we make your comfort a priority. With gentle techniques and options like nitrous oxide sedation, your root canal can be a calm, stress-free experience.
Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Schedule your root canal appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief and a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
You may need a root canal if a deep cavity or deep decay reaches the inner tooth structure. Tooth damage, such as cracks or chips, can also expose the pulp and cause infection.
You may feel mild discomfort during recovery. But the procedure itself shouldn’t hurt. The damaged tooth is numbed with local anesthesia. It still might feel sensitive for a few days.
A root canal can take one or two visits, depending on the tooth’s condition. During each visit, the endodontist removes the infection and restores the tooth. You’ll also need to return to get a permanent crown.
Root canals are considered cost-effective dental medicine compared to tooth extraction and replacement options. The total cost depends on the tooth’s location and treatment complexity.
Visiting your general dentist regularly helps prevent serious decay. Good oral hygiene and prompt care protect your original tooth from infection.
A root canal saves your natural tooth. Meanwhile, when you get a tooth extracted, it must be replaced with a dental implant or replacement tooth. Keeping your original tooth prevents bone loss and other complications from a missing tooth.
If left untreated, pulp damage can lead to pulp death and spread infection to other teeth. The condition worsens over time. That makes later treatment more complex and expensive. A serious tooth infection can cause illness or even death.
Follow your dentist’s post-care instructions and take any prescribed antibiotics. Avoid biting on the treated area. Be sure you schedule any necessary ongoing dental work to prevent future damage to the surrounding area.
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A Root Canal Can Help Ease Your Pain
Get Relief for Infected Tooth Pain in Alexandria, VA
A throbbing toothache, jaw swelling, or tenderness in your gums often signals a serious infection that won’t heal on its own. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to severe pain, tooth loss, or even an infection that spreads beyond your mouth.
At LIFE A.I.D., our compassionate team provides advanced root canal treatment to eliminate infection and relieve pain. The process will save your natural tooth.
Modern techniques and effective anesthetics make the process comfortable and stress-free from start to finish.
Don’t let fear or anxiety keep you from getting the care you need. Prompt treatment can restore your comfort, protect your smile, and prevent more serious oral health problems.
Call LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry today to schedule your root canal consultation and experience pain-free relief from infected tooth pain.
