Root Canal Therapy in Midlothian, VA

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What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Damaged and decayed teeth are typically treated with a filling or another kind of restoration when they are detected and managed in the early stages. But when the bacteria spread to the center of the tooth, also called the pulp, root canal therapy may be required to prevent extraction. A root canal is a specialized treatment provided at Sycamore Family Dentistry to extract infected pulp tissue and fill the damaged tooth to enhance oral function. Dr. Jacob Sheppard and Dr. Ronald Jessup treat abscessed or deteriorating teeth utilizing delicate root canal therapy and employ sedation methods to further put you at ease. If you have a severely decayed or infected tooth, call our Midlothian, VA practice as soon as you can.

What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is performed when decay reaches the tooth's pulp, putting the entire tooth and your overall oral health at risk. Root canals performed at Sycamore Family Dentistry can save your tooth and prevent further complications resulting from an infected or abscessed tooth. Benefits of root canal therapy at our Midlothian, VA dental office include:

Alleviating pain
Preventing tooth loss
Stopping infection from extending to other teeth and pulp
Saving the jawbone from deterioration
Improving overall oral health
Benefiting the appearance of your teeth and smile
Enabling normal oral function, including speaking and eating

Who Is A Candidate For A Root Canal?

Inflamed tooth pulp might be attributed to significant cavities, a chip, or an accident. Dr. Sheppard or Dr. Jessup can take a digital scan and conduct a dental assessment to determine if a root canal or another procedure is necessary to alleviate tooth pain and restore your oral wellness. Common signs suggesting you need a root canal include stabbing or throbbing dental aches, constant dental discomfort, pressure from chewing, and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. You may also experience swelling concentrated around the mouth or gums, a pus-filled bump on the gums, or a tooth changing color after an injury.

The Root Canal Process

Modern approaches are used to ensure your comfort during root canal therapy. At our Midlothian, VA office, root canals are carried out under local anesthesia. When the tooth has become numb, a screen will be set to protect your mouth. The affected area will then be reached via a small opening created in the upper part of the tooth. The pulp, the structure that contains the nerve center and blood supply inside of each tooth, will be taken out, and the region will be reshaped with special endodontic tools prior to being entirely disinfected. We will then seal the compromised tooth using a special material so any tooth pain you were having before should begin to dissipate once the root canal treatment is complete.

Sycamore Family Dentistry Reviews

From the moment you call the office to the moment you see Dr. Sheppard, you realize that one thing is most important and that is you. Dr. Sheppard and his entire staff truly want your visit to be comfortable, like you are visiting a friend, not a practice. Everyone is so friendly, welcoming, respectful and have a common interest in making sure you are cared for and appreciated as a patient, not just a number. If you are one that gets a bit anxious and puts off dental care, STOP RIGHT NOW, NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND CALL THE OFFICE. I assure you that you will be glad to meet such wonderful people and you will leave with a smile!! Whether it is routine dental work, or an emergency They have you covered. They made me feel so comfortable that I almost fell asleep during a root canal. Do yourself a favor and stop being just another patient and become one of their family. Many thanks to Dr. Sheppard and his entire staff. Glenn

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What Is Recovery Like after Root Canal Therapy?

Whatever tooth pain you were feeling before your endodontic procedure should begin to subside as soon as the root canal is complete. Store-bought pain relievers might also be used to reduce any discomfort or swelling that develops after your visit. Your provider will arrange a checkup consultation 2 – 4 weeks after so that they can assess your recovery. Teeth corrected with root canal procedures are more vulnerable to injury and usually require the shielding properties of a customized crown when they're entirely healed. A ceramic crown can then be created to return the health and natural look to the tooth.

Preserve Your Tooth and Smile

Broken or abscessed teeth may lead to a significant amount of oral and overall health conditions if neglected or not addressed; however, because of advances in contemporary dental care, a root canal from Sycamore Family Dentistry may be an effective solution to restore your tooth, as well as your dental health. Contact our office in Midlothian, VA to arrange a consultation with Dr. Sheppard or Dr. Jessup to discover more about root canal therapy.

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Root Canal Therapy FAQs

Can I drive home following a root canal?

In many cases, individuals can drive themselves home after a root canal treatment, as the procedure typically doesn't cause significant impairment. However, if you want a form of dental sedation during the procedure or typically have a low threshold for pain, it may be best to get someone to drive you home. If you are unsure about if you should drive, you may want to arrange a ride to be safe or consult with our Midlothian, VA team.

Can a tooth that has had a root canal treatment get infected again?

Unfortunately, it is possible for a tooth that has had a root canal treatment to become infected again. This can happen if the tooth's filling or crown becomes damaged or if there is a new fracture or decay in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter the area previously addressed by a root canal. If you suspect that a root canal has become re-infected, it's important to consult with us my phone or in-person at Sycamore Family Dentistry, as early intervention can help prevent the need for more extensive procedures.

How can I prevent the need for a root canal?

The best way to protect your teeth from requiring a root canal is to maintain a consistent daily oral health routine, including brushing and flossing. It is also imperative to get twice yearly screenings and cleanings at Sycamore Family Dentistry so we can monitor your oral health and take note of any decay.

How does a root canal affect the appearance of my tooth?

A root canal itself does not significantly alter the appearance of your tooth. However, because the tooth is no longer vital and may darken over time, some patients choose to have a crown or veneer placed to improve aesthetics. If discoloration occurs, your dentist can discuss cosmetic options to restore the natural appearance of your smile.

Are there any alternatives to root canal therapy?

The primary alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction, followed by replacement options such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. While extraction may seem like a simpler solution, preserving your natural tooth through root canal therapy is generally preferable, as it maintains the natural structure of your mouth and avoids the need for more complex restorative procedures.

What are the signs that I may need a root canal?

Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gum tissue. However, in some cases, there may be no symptoms, and the need for a root canal is discovered during a routine dental exam.