When is Root Canal Treatment Needed?

Asevere toothache is usually the first sign that something isn’t right with a tooth. If the pain is caused by infection or decay inside the pulp of your tooth, your Tysons, Virginia, dentist may recommend root canal therapy. Through root canal treatment, Dr. Farshad Farhoumand and associates from Avanti Dentistry can relieve pain, stop infection, and restore dental health. In this post, your Tysons, Virginia, dentist answers your questions about root canals to relieve doubts or fears about this treatment.

When is a root canal necessary?

Root canals are generally used to treat pulpal tooth infections. However, Dr. Far and associates may recommend this treatment to restore an abscessed tooth, treat deep decay, or repair a severely cracked tooth, as these conditions can threaten the life of your tooth and lead to premature tooth loss. A root canal will relieve your pain, curtail the infection to keep it from spreading, and restore your diseased tooth so it can continue to be used.

Are root canals painful?

No. Root canals are routine procedures that can be completed in one or two dental visits. Dr. Far will numb your mouth for this treatment to prevent discomfort or pain. We also offer sedation options that can help you relax while in the dental chair.

What is the root canal procedure?

Root canals entail drilling a hole in your tooth to remove the infected pulp and diseased tissues, providing instant pain relief. We’ll then clean and disinfect your tooth to eliminate any remaining infection and seal it with a special filling to protect it from infection in the future. Lastly, we’ll crown your tooth to strengthen your tooth structure for future use.

What are some common root canal symptoms?

Root canal infections can cause the following symptoms:

• Severe toothache
• Sensitivity to cold and heat
• Gum swelling, redness, or tenderness
• Small pimple or boil on your gum tissue around the infected tooth
• Discolored tooth

Through routine checkups, Dr. Far and associates can monitor tooth and gum health to detect signs of oral infection and decay. Early treatment can prevent the infection from totally destroying your tooth or spreading to other parts of your body.

What are the alternatives to treating a pulpal tooth infection other than a root canal?

Root canals are your only option for treating a pulpal tooth infection and saving your tooth. The alternative would be to have your tooth removed. Left alone, your tooth will eventually die and fall out on its own. However, the infection could continue spreading, putting healthy teeth at risk.