Root Canal Specialist

What is a root canal?

Root canals are dental procedures that restore badly infected, decayed, or severely damaged teeth. The procedure might be necessary to save your tooth if the pulp, the inside of the tooth filled with blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, gets infected. Your provider cleans the inside of the tooth, fills it, and seals it to eliminate bacteria and protect your tooth.

Why might I need a root canal?

The following signs and symptoms may indicate your tooth is damaged or infected enough to need a root canal:

• A cracked tooth
• Tooth or gum pain
• A tooth abscess
• Facial, neck, or gum swelling
• A hole in your tooth
• Temperature sensitivity
• Tooth discoloration

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, the sooner you schedule an appointment with Dominion Endodontics, the better your chance of saving a damaged tooth. The practice offers same-day appointments to take care of all your urgent dental needs.

What happens during a root canal?

Your provider at Dominion Endodontics reviews your medical and dental history and examines your affected tooth. They use dental X-rays to let you know if a root canal or other dental restoration procedure is right for you.

Prior to a root canal at Dominion Endodontics, you receive local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain. They also offer sedation dentistry to help relax you if you feel anxious about the procedure. During a root canal, your provider removes dental decay, makes an opening in the crown of your tooth, and clears away infected portions of the tooth’s pulp.

Your Dominion Endodontics provider cleans and flushes the pulp chamber, uses medication to eliminate infection. They fill the chamber with special dental materials and seal the tooth with a dental filling to protect it. Your provider might place a crown, or porcelain cap, over the top of your tooth to strengthen it and prevent future damage.

What should I expect after a root canal?

Your tooth might be a little sensitive for a few days after getting a root canal. You can take over-the-counter pain medicines for relief. The new, restored tooth looks and functions like your surrounding natural teeth, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Care for your teeth by brushing twice daily and flossing every day. Attend routine dental cleanings and exams, and avoid chewing on ice and other hard objects. Call Dominion Endodontics if your crown becomes loose or you experience worsening tooth pain.

Don’t let toothaches progress to severe decay or tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with Dominion Endodontics over the phone or online today.