Root Canal & Endodontics in Fairfax Corner, VA

When Is a Root Canal Needed?

The hard, white enamel covering on your teeth protects teeth from daily wear and tear. There are times, however, when the enamel becomes cracked, chipped or severely decayed, allowing an infection to spread to the pulp chamber inside the tooth. The pulp chamber stretches to the roots of the tooth and contains sensitive nerves, blood vessels and other cellular structures.

It’s the infection of the pulp that results in the extreme pain that gives root canal therapy its bad reputation. Root canal therapy is intended to eliminate the infection, relieve the pain and preserve the natural tooth.

Signs that you may need root canal therapy in Fairfax include:

• Severe tooth pain
• Dental pain that interrupts your sleep
• Sharp pain when biting
• Extreme sensitivity to touch, heat or cold
• Severe swelling of the gums around the tooth
• Deep cavity
• Tooth discoloration

Our team at Smiles at Fairfax Corner is specially trained to perform routine root canals. Call us today at (703) 997-0928 for a root canal consultation.

What Happens during a Root Canal?

Today’s dental technology allows our team at Smiles at Fairfax Corner to make getting a root canal about as comfortable as getting a filling in your tooth. In most cases, the procedure only takes an hour or two to complete.

First, we will numb the infected tooth to prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. Then our dentist will use special tools to remove the infected pulp, clean the surrounding area and shape the tiny canals within the tooth’s roots. Finally, the dentist will fill the root canals with a special substance and then seal the tooth. A temporary tooth-colored crown will be placed over the tooth while a permanent crown is created.

At a second appointment, you will receive your natural-looking permanent crown, which will protect your tooth from fracturing.

The procedure removes the infected part of the tooth that was causing your pain. By preserving the tooth instead of extracting it, it is easier for you to chew and speak.

Teeth that have been restored through root canal treatment generally last for a long time with regular brushing and flossing.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The cost of root canal therapy depends on the tooth and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, a root canal on a front tooth is less expensive than one on a molar. Dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts can all help defray the cost of treatment. Plus, we have financing options available. Call our office at (703) 997-0928 to schedule a root canal consultation today.