Alexandria Root Canals Dentist

Dentist Providing Endodontic Services to Address Nerve Infections in Alexandria, Virginia

When tooth pain becomes severe or continues to affect you after eating or drinking, it may be a sign of a deeper issue affecting the inner portion of one or more of your teeth. At Alexandria Dental Art in Alexandria, we provide root canals and other endodontic services to address infections and damage within teeth. Endodontic care focuses on preserving natural teeth by treating the internal structures, and it can help you keep your smile intact while eliminating pain and preventing further complications.

Root canals have long been considered to be painful procedures, but modern techniques and anesthesia have made them safe and highly effective, and they are usually no more uncomfortable than receiving a filling. At Alexandria Dental Art, we will take steps to ensure that you are at ease throughout your treatment.

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How Endodontics Helps Patients

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the inside of the tooth. A tooth's pulp contains sensitive tissues, including nerves and blood vessels. Infections in the pulp may occur due to decay or damage to a tooth. Without proper treatment, these issues can lead to severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss. Through root canal treatments, our dentist will remove damaged pulp, clean and seal the inside of the tooth, and restore function with a crown or filling.

By addressing infections early, you can help prevent the need for extractions and maintain the strength and appearance of your natural teeth. The endodontic services at Alexandria Dental Art are designed to stop pain, eliminate infection, and protect your long-term oral health.

When Root Canals May Be Necessary

A root canal may be recommended if the pulp of a tooth is damaged or infected. Common reasons include:

• Deep cavities or untreated decay that reach the pulp
• Cracks or chips in a tooth that expose inner tissue to bacteria
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth that weaken its structure
• Trauma or injury that causes pulp damage, even without visible cracks
• Severe tooth pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure
• Swelling or abscesses around the affected tooth or gums

Root canal treatment is often the best way to save a tooth and prevent extraction.

Root Canal Procedures

The process of receiving a root canal is straightforward, and we make every effort to minimize your discomfort. We will guide you through each step, making sure you know what to expect. The process will include:

1. Examination and Diagnosis

We will typically begin with an exam and X-rays. This can help determine the extent of infection or damage and confirm whether a root canal will be needed.

2. Local Anesthesia

To ensure comfort, the area surrounding the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia. You will remain awake, but you should not feel pain during the procedure.

3. Access and Removal of Pulp

A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the pulp. The infected tissue will be removed.

4. Disinfection and Filling

The cleaned canals will be disinfected and then filled with a sealant material called gutta-percha. This will seal the canals and prevent reinfection.

5. Restoration of the Tooth

After the root canal is complete, the tooth will be sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. In many cases, a dental crown will be placed during a follow-up appointment to restore strength, function, and appearance.

Maintaining Your Comfort During Root Canal Treatments

At Alexandria Dental Art, we understand that many patients feel anxious about root canals. Our dental team will take time to explain each step of the process, answer your questions, and ease your concerns. We use modern anesthetic techniques to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, and we will take measures to minimize any post-procedure pain or discomfort. Most patients find that the relief of having their pain resolved far outweighs the temporary soreness following a root canal.

Maintaining Oral Health After Root Canal Therapy

Once a root canal is complete, you will be able to return to normal eating and oral hygiene habits. A crown or filling placed after the procedure will help to protect the tooth and restore its function. To keep the restored tooth healthy, you should:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid chewing hard objects.
• Follow up with us if you experience any discomfort or changes.

With proper care, teeth treated with root canals can last a lifetime.

Contact Our Alexandria Root Canal Dentist

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, do not wait for the problem to get worse. The endodontic team at Alexandria Dental Art can provide you with root canal treatments that will help to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and preserve your natural teeth. Contact us at 703-566-8799 to arrange an appointment and learn more about our Alexandria, VA root canal services.