Root Canal & Endodontics in Woodbridge

Nerves, blood vessels, and a soft tissue called pulp are found in the root canals inside of your teeth. Considerable pain and discomfort can occur if the pulp tissue becomes injured or infected due to advanced tooth decay.

When the pulp of a tooth becomes damaged, endodontic treatment is needed to prevent an infection from developing and save the tooth. Here are some of the most common signs you may need a dental root canal:

• Prolonged tooth pain that's moderate to severe
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or touch
• Gum swelling
• Pain when biting down
• Tooth discoloration or darkening

Endodontists or general dentists are capable of providing root canals, although endodontists are usually needed for complex cases. Our helpful staff can connect you with a knowledgeable root canal dentist. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with our skilled dentists.

An average root canal procedure can be completed within one or two hours. These are the steps involved with the procedure:

1. The dentist applies a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
2. To keep the tooth and surrounding area dry, the dentist places a small sheet to isolate the tooth.
3. An opening is made in the crown of the tooth so the dentist can access the pulp chamber.
4. Small tools are used to remove damaged pulp, then the dentist cleans and shapes the root canals.
5. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected with fluid.
6. The root canals are filled with gutta percha, a material with a rubbery consistency.
   7. The tooth is sealed and then capped with a permanent crown to prevent it from cracking or fracturing.

The total cost of treatment depends partly on whether you receive treatment from a general dentist or endodontist and if your dental insurance covers endodontic therapy. There are also other factors that can affect the price of treatment, including which tooth requires treatment, how many roots the tooth has, and the extent of tooth decay present. Since molars have four roots, the cost of endodontic treatment is usually more expensive compared to front teeth, which only have one root. To receive a cost estimate and a comprehensive examination from our experienced dentists, contact our office to make an appointment.

While a root canal crown is the most common endodontic procedure, alternative treatment options are available. During an apicoectomy, only the top of the tooth's root is removed. This procedure is usually performed after a previous treatment was unsuccessful. A pediatric pulpotomy can also be performed, in which the tooth's nerve is left intact after taking out the diseased pulp.

It's very common to feel worried after learning that you need endodontic treatment; however, with the help of numbing medicine, our dentists can keep you comfortable during treatment. To learn about how you can relieve mouth pain with a root canal in Woodbridge, contact our office to schedule an appointment.