Root canals

Root Canals

Treating And Restoring Infected Teeth

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, our goal is to help you have a healthy smile. While we understand that you might be apprehensive about the idea of root canals, we will only recommend root canals if they are necessary. If you do need a root canal in order to save your tooth, you can rest assured that the procedure is safe and effective. With new advancements in technology, you’ll find that root canals are even less invasive than before, making your recovery quicker and easier.

What Are Root Canals?

A root canal is a dental treatment that is used to eliminate an infection from the inner part of a tooth. This area, called the pulp, can become inflamed or infected due to decay, trauma or other issues. If left untreated, the infection may worsen or spread, making it absolutely necessary to fix the problem before it becomes a bigger problem for your overall health. Root canals are a standard and frequently performed procedure—each year, approximately 15 million teeth undergo this treatment according to the American Association of Endodontists.

What Causes A Tooth Infection?

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we believe that preventative care is key to preventing worsening teeth problems down the road. However, we understand that many different factors play into what can cause an infected tooth. Some causes of an infected tooth include:

  • Tooth decay
  • A cracked tooth
  • A history of many dental procedures
  • Damage to the inner tissue of the tooth

Signs And Symptoms

Oftentimes, if you need root canals, you will experience one or more symptoms. You may need this procedure if you’re experiencing:

  • A toothache that won’t go away
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the tooth

How Treatment For Root Canals Works

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, our goal is to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible during your procedure. You can expect the following:

To determine whether a root canal is needed and to assess the severity of the infection, your dentist will begin by evaluating your tooth and taking digital X-rays for a detailed view of the affected area.

We will then give you a local anesthetic to make sure you are comfortable and pain free during the procedure.

Your dentist will then make a small opening in the crown of the tooth. Then, they will go into the pulp chamber to remove the infected tissue and clean out the root canal, as well.

After cleaning the root canal, your dentist will shape and fill the canal to prevent any future infection.

After we seal your tooth, in most cases, we will place a crown over your tooth. This will make sure it looks and functions properly for years to come.

Naturally beautiful woman smiling with perfect white teeth

Recovery From Root Canals

As you heal from this dental procedure, you can expect to feel some discomfort, and you may also experience some swelling. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol, to manage any pain or discomfort. We also recommend that you:

  • Eat soft food and avoid hard or sticky foods
  • Avoid chewing on the tooth if you are waiting to receive your crown
  • Keep up with your dental hygiene routine
  • Use a cold compress, such as an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, to ice the area for 15 minutes at a time
  • Don’t forget to visit us at Ashburn Dentistry by Design for your follow-up appointment!

Root Canals In Ashburn, VA

If you are experiencing any symptoms and think you may need root canals in Ashburn, Virginia, we look forward to meeting with you and putting your mind at ease. You can trust that our expert dentists will help restore your tooth and have you feeling better in no time. Request your appointment today at Ashburn Dentistry by Design!

Child patient smiling and giving thumbs up after dental visit at ashburn dentistry by design

Confident Smiles.

Compassionate Care.

Experience the difference at Ashburn Dentistry by Design—where your smile and comfort come first. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be treated like family in an environment designed to ease dental anxiety and build lasting relationships. Our experienced team offers comprehensive care for all ages, combining advanced technology with a personal touch to ensure every treatment exceeds your expectations. Don’t wait—request your appointment today and discover why so many in Ashburn trust us with their smiles!

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