Root canals suffer from a bad reputation, which is unfortunate. It often helps to honestly explain what a root canal is to patients so they can understand how it can help their teeth, gums, and general well-being.
Root canal therapy, or endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure where Dr. Ardalan Sanati and Dr. Shohreh Shahram get rid of tooth decay or infection from the inner portion of the tooth (or pulp) before sealing it from future infections.
Things You Should Know About Root Canals
Many patients worry about how painful root canals are, but the reality is that they end any tooth pain and save your tooth from dental extraction.
Root canals are generally more cost-effective than extracting an entire tooth, and less painful than living with severe, throbbing toothaches.
What Is a Root Canal?
Teeth can be very resilient, but when bacteria or infection wrangle their way into the pulp of a tooth, it can affect the blood vessels, nerves, tissue, and more. When Vienna patients start to feel constant tooth pain, it may be too late for preventive actions.
During the root canal, we keep patients healthy by removing any harmful bacteria and disease. This allows us to save your tooth and keep your tooth protected and strong. Patients can continue eating their favorite foods and speak clearly, without fear of biting down in pain or spreading their infection.
The Root Canal Procedure
Root canal procedures are relatively straightforward. The first step after identifying decay is to clean any infection from within the tooth thoroughly. We administer local anesthesia to ensure patients feel nothing more than pressure. Once your dentists at Tysons Dentistry are satisfied that your tooth is clean, they will disinfect the tooth and fill it with resin or other fillings to prevent reinfection.
Often, teeth can be sensitive or weakened after the root canal, so we add a dental crown to protect the tooth.
Despite the myth surrounding root canals, there should be very little pain or discomfort. If there is pain, it comes from decay or infection.
Call Us to Learn More About Root Canals
Whether you're curious about this dental procedure or anticipate it in your future, we are always available to provide patient education (and conquer your fears!). Call Tysons Dentistry the minute you feel any pain or sensitivity.