Root Canals in Vienna, VA

Dental patients today are beginning to understand that modern dentistry makes procedures more accurate, efficient, and comfortable than ever before. But one myth that persists is that root canal treatment (endodontics) is painful.

At Tysons Dentistry, we believe this is because one symptom of an infected root canal is severe, persistent pain. Often, it's the memory of this excruciating discomfort that many people remember long after they've forgotten the procedure itself. But the fact is that a root canal removes the infection, which eliminates your pain. Once you leave our Vienna, VA dental office after treatment, the pain of infection will be gone for good.

Don’t Delay Root Canal Treatment

Dr. Sanati and Dr. Shahram do everything in their power to preserve your healthy tooth structure for as long as possible. We know the thought of root canal treatment can lead to anxiety, but please don’t let your negative feelings ruin your oral health. Your Vienna, VA dental team is here to help you with the urgent treatment and relief you need.

If you are experiencing pain, sensitivity, or any of the other symptoms listed below, please call us right away and let us know what's happening. We will arrange to see you as quickly as we can, probably on the same day.

• Why did you recommend a root canal?
• How does a tooth become infected?
• What are the signs of an infected tooth?
• What happens during a root canal in Vienna, VA?
• Will my root canal procedure hurt?
• How can you help me relax during my root canal?

Root canal therapy is necessary to save a tooth that's injured due to periodontal infection. Most people experience severe discomfort as the first sign that they need root canal treatment. 

If our dentists don't remove your tooth's infection quickly, your pain will get worse, and we might even reach the point where our only option is to extract your tooth. 

Dr. Sanati and Dr. Shahram have extensive training and expertise in performing root canals that are effective and comfortable. A root canal is an essential procedure that is needed to save your tooth, and you should not delay it.

At Tysons Dentistry, we have helped many patients get past their fear and worry about root canal treatment, and many tell us that the procedure treatment was not nearly as stressful as they thought it would be.

How does a tooth become infected?

Your tooth is composed of several layers. The surface material is enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Below the enamel is dentin, a layer of tissue that contains microscopic tubes (tubules) that talk to the nerve of the tooth. Running through the dentin is the pulp chamber that houses the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive.

Bacteria are always present on your teeth, and they feed on the sugary carbs you consume and produce acid. If you don’t brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly, the acid sits on the tooth and eats away at your dental enamel. Dentin is exposed, and hot, cold, or acidic foods stimulate the nerves of the tooth, causing pain.

Without treatment, decay continues to penetrate your tooth until it reaches the pulp layer causing inflammation, infection, and pain. The most common reason for an infected root canal is decay, but it can also be caused by trauma to the tooth.

If we don’t perform root canal therapy, the pain will continue to worsen, and ultimately we will need to remove the tooth. Call our Vienna, VA dental office to schedule an appointment so we can provide the treatment you need to save your tooth.

What are the signs of an infected tooth?

The symptoms of an infected tooth can range from subtle to debilitating. An infection may be developing in your tooth without your knowledge and can do significant damage long before you feel the first twinge of pain.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, call your Vienna, VA dentist right away so we can investigate the problem and determine if you have an infected tooth:

• Intense tooth pain
• Swollen or inflamed gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• A whitish-raised bump on your gums
• A foul odor in your mouth

In some cases, an infected root canal is asymptomatic, making it all the more important to stay current with routine dental exams and cleanings. During these appointments, our dentist can detect the problem and provide treatment before it becomes painful.

Our Vienna, VA dentists plan treatment using a digital x-ray image of the tooth. We may also recommend a 3-D digital scan of the tooth using CT cone beam technology. This valuable technology provides more information than a two-dimensional x-ray and allows for more precise treatment planning.

When we begin your root canal treatment, we first open a small hole in your tooth to access the root canal. Dr. Sanati and Dr. Sharahm use leading-edge rotary endodontic technology to gently and quickly remove the infected material. Instead of the manual steel files dentists used in the past, rotary endodontics employs an electrically-powered instrument that allows us to perform more efficient and comfortable root canals with a higher success rate for our patients.

When our Tysons dentists have cleared away every trace of the infection, they fill the hollowed-out space with an inert material called gutta-percha and then seal the tooth. Since there is no more blood supplying the tooth, it will become brittle, so we may recommend a dental crown to protect it. If you don't need a dental crown, we will still need to place a filling on the tooth to restore and strengthen it.

Will my root canal procedure hurt?

At Tysons Dentistry, we understand your concerns, but a root canal is an important procedure that is needed to save your tooth. You can be confident that our experienced team will do everything we can to support you so you can get the critical care you need.

While it’s unfortunate that root canal treatment has earned such a negative reputation, it’s also understandable. Years ago, we did not have the technology or materials to make root canals efficient and comfortable. But all that has changed, and now root canals are no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled.

How can you help me relax during my root canal?

Every member understands the feelings that many of our patients have about the prospect of root canal treatment. Your comfort is of the utmost importance to us, and we take every precaution to ensure that your procedure is as stress-free as possible.

At Tysons Dentistry, we offer different types of sedation like inhalation (nitrous oxide) and oral sedation that can help you relax during your appointment. During your procedure, we invite you to sit back, relax, and listen to your favorite music or watch TV. If you like, we'll also provide a pillow and a cozy blanket to provide comfort.

Just tell us about your concerns beforehand, and we can make accommodations during your treatment to keep you calm and relaxed. Please contact Tysons Dentistry for more information about stress-free root canals at our Vienna, VA dental office.