How can we help you?
At the Vinton, VA dental office of Dr. Zachary Law, we strive to keep our patients educated and informed about the importance of proper oral health habits. We've found that patients who are well-informed and feel confident in their knowledge about their oral health have better outcomes, and we know that you want the best results possible from your dental care.
Your questions are important to us, and no question is ever too small. We are happy to answer your questions about our practice, the services we provide, your home-care routine, or dentistry in general.
We will take the time to explain the benefits of our services to help you make appropriate decisions about your oral health care. For your convenience, we've listed a few of the questions we hear most often from our patients, but please don't hesitate to contact our office at (540) 342-4945 if your question isn't listed here or you would like more information. A helpful member of our team will be happy to help you get the answers you need.
We are here to help, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Root Canal Treatment
If you or a member of your family are having a dental emergency, we will be happy to get you in for an appointment the same day. Few things are worse than experiencing sudden severe dental pain and not being able to get immediate help. We will make a same-day appointment for you so that you can get the prompt relief you need to protect your oral health.
Experiencing severe toothache pain is usually a sign that a serious problem is developing. Seeking prompt attention from your dentist is important to prevent continued pain and the risk of further damage to the tooth.
If you are not sure whether the problem is an actual dental emergency or not, we’ve provided a list of some of the more common dental emergencies our patients experience. Please note that if you experience any trauma to your face, neck, or head, you should call 911 or visit your local emergency room immediately.
Common Dental Emergencies:
- You have experienced dental trauma like an accident or damage to the tooth that has caused it to fracture or break.
- An unexplained bump or pimple on your gums.
- Severe tooth pain that includes sudden swelling.
- Pain so severe that you can’t tell which tooth it’s coming from.
- Dental trauma caused by an accident or sports injury.
- You've lost or damaged a restoration such as a filling, dental crown, bridge, or veneer.
Our priority is to protect your oral health, and a dental emergency can often mean serious trouble is developing. Please don’t ever hesitate to contact our office if you are concerned or have any questions about discomfort you are experiencing.
We know that no one looks forward to having a root canal. In fact, root canals are unfortunately one of the most dreaded of all dental procedures.
This reputation is unwarranted, because techniques and instruments used for root canals today have improved significantly in recent years. In the hands of a competent dentist like Dr. Law, a root canal does not need to be any more stressful than having a tooth filled.
However, we do understand that this fact alone may not be enough to lessen your fears. In that case, we can offer effective sedation to help you stay comfortable during the procedure.
Nitrous oxide is a safe and mild sedation method that is very effective for reducing anxiety and creating a calm, relaxed feeling. It is also a great choice because it does not have any lingering after-effects. You will be able to return to your normal activities as soon as treatment is finished.
Oral sedation is helpful for those who have greater anxiety. When used in combination with nitrous oxide, we can provide a truly comfortable, stress-free experience.
If you would like to learn more about root canal treatment and they ways we can help you relax, please contact our Vinton dental office.
If severe decay or periodontal disease occurs deep within your tooth, a root canal is probably needed. This area within your tooth houses the nerves and pulp that keep your tooth alive.
If infection reaches this space in your tooth, a root canal is often the only way to preserve the tooth. Without root canal treatment, you face the risk of having the infection spread, and you may eventually need to have your tooth pulled.
Usually, the first indication of root canal infection is tenderness around the tooth and severe toothache pain that won’t go away. Most people have a negative reaction to the idea of a root canal, but if the infection is not removed, the pain will get worse and potentially result in loss of the tooth. The reason for root canal therapy is to eliminate the infection and the source of your pain.
Dr. Law has extensive experience in performing root canals, and he knows that many people get nervous when they think about having root canal treatment. Sedation options can work wonders in helping to keep you relaxed, and Dr. Law’s experience and training enables him to perform root canals that are comfortable, safe, and efficient.
Root canals have earned a very bad reputation, but most of that has to do with lack of understanding or disinformation. Knowing why you need a root canal and how the process works can go a long way toward putting you at ease about this important procedure.
The inner core of your tooth contains an area known as your root canal. This is the portion of the tooth that holds nerves, tissue, and other material. If periodontal infection or severe decay penetrates this space, you will need a root canal procedure.
We need to remove any infection and decay to provide relief and save your tooth from further damage. Without a root canal, you will face continued pain and potential loss of the tooth.
The procedure involves making a tiny hole in your tooth to access the root canal. Then, using special instruments, Dr. Law carefully removes any infected material. Once this is thoroughly cleared away, the tooth is filled and sealed. In most cases, we will need to further protect the tooth by placing a dental crown.
Root canals are an important dental treatment, and essential for saving a tooth damaged by decay or disease. Please contact our Vinton dental office if you would like more information about the root canal procedure.