Root Canals in Washington, D.C.
With root canal therapy, we can repair a tooth that would otherwise be lost to injury or infection. By helping you retain this tooth, we can help you keep your smile complete and healthy.
Your tooth may need a root canal if you notice any of these signs:
- A swelling around the tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity when the tooth is tapped or touched
- A pimple on the gums
- Toothache
But please note that a toothache is
not
always present when a tooth needs a root canal.
These signs usually indicate that infection has reached the soft inner tissues of the tooth. There is no way to sterilize these tissues inside the tooth or get antibiotics into the area. The only solution is to clean out these soft tissues to eliminate all of the infection.
Also, a tooth that has suffered an impact injury or that was loosened or even knocked out (and then replaced in the socket) will usually need root canal therapy if the tooth is to be saved.
How Is a Root Canal Done?
The first step is to ensure that root canal therapy is the only effective treatment for the tooth. We will x-ray the area and check for sensitivity. When we have determined that this is the correct treatment, we then carefully numb the area to be treated. When numbness has been verified, we will begin the root canal.
Similar to when you get a filling, the first step is to open the top of the tooth. We then clean out all the soft tissue inside the tooth. This clean-out extends down the canals at the center of each root.
We will then shape these canals so they can easily be filled with
gutta-percha, a safe, rubbery material. Once the canals are filled, we then place a tooth-colored filling on the top of the tooth.
After Your Root Canal
You should avoid eating anything until the numbness has worn off completely. Otherwise, you risk biting your cheek or tongue without knowing it.
Your tooth may be sore for a few days. Avoid chewing or biting anything tough in that area. if the soreness persists, please let us know.
We recommend placing a crown over this tooth to protect it and extend its life even further. After a root canal, a tooth can get brittle and a crown will strengthen it. With regular dental care, a crowned root canal can last the rest of your life.
We take pride in helping our patients retain their natural teeth for their whole lives. If you have any symptoms that might indicate the need for a root canal, please contact us immediately. An infected tooth will not heal on its own.
For root canal therapy in Washington, D.C., call us at 202-363-4361 to schedule an examination and treatment. We can quickly get you out of pain and back to normal.