Root Canal in Vinton, VA
Many people get anxious when they learn they need a root canal. The good news is that root canals today are not much more complicated than having a tooth filled. In fact, many of our patients tell us that the procedure was not nearly as complicated as they thought it would be.
You may find it difficult to believe that root canal therapy can really be that easy, but advances in dental technology have made treatment efficient and much more comfortable than in the past. Dr. Law has performed many successful root canals over the years, so you know your treatment is being handled by an experienced professional who understands your concerns.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Most people think that “root canal” refers to the treatment itself. Actually, the root canal is the space inside the root in your tooth that is filled with nerves and tissue. When an infection caused by decay, dental trauma, or gum disease extends into this portion of the root, it is necessary to perform root canal therapy to save the tooth.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
Only your dentist can determine if you need root canal treatment. But if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that root canal treatment is required:
- A bump or raised spot (like a pimple) on your gum
- A toothache that worsens over time
- Sensitivity when you bite down or touch the tooth
In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms, but an infection may still be spreading and damaging your tooth. This is why it’s so important to schedule routine dental exams at our dental office in Vinton.
What Is involved With Root Canal Treatment?
Much of the anxiety people feel about having a root canal is due to a lack of knowledge about what happens during treatment. Feeling uninformed about dental treatments often results in stress, so it’s important to understand what you can expect.
Dr. Law starts treatment by numbing the area to make sure you are completely comfortable, and all the infected material inside the root is removed. After we are sure the infection has been cleared away, we thoroughly clean the tooth.
Depending on the extent of the infection, we may use medicine to ensure that the infection is completely gone. The tooth is then sealed and filled. If your tooth is very weak, a dental crown may be necessary to strengthen and protect it from further damage.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Before you leave our office, we will give you instructions on caring for the tooth once you get home. Your tooth may feel a bit sore on the day of treatment, but this is common and nothing to be worried about. If you have any concerns after you get home, feel free to give us a call so we can answer your questions.
Please Contact Our Office for More Information
We want you to be completely comfortable about any treatment you have at our office. Our professional team is very sensitive to your concerns, and we will take all the time needed to answer your questions and help reduce your anxiety. Please contact us at (540) 342-4945 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
