Root Canal Therapy in Gaithersburg MD
At Lakeforest Dental Associates, we are aware of the reputation that root canals have as painful, lengthy procedures.
You will be happy to know that root canal therapy actually relieves the pain of the infection in your tooth and can also save a tooth from extraction.
At our Gaithersburg, MD dental office, we strive to always make dentistry as pain-free as possible. Both Dr. Neil Daftary and Dr. Robert Zaner take extra precautions to ensure comfortable treatment for every procedure and every appointment.
When You Need a Root Canal
Root canal therapy becomes necessary due to inflammation and infection inside the canal within your tooth. This can affect the nerve, making the symptoms quite painful. We recommend you call us right away so that we can get you feeling comfortable again.
We will diagnose the need for a root canal by taking a digital x-ray of your tooth. Often, the infection will appear as a dark area around the root of your tooth.
Other root canal symptoms include:
- Swelling of the face or jaw
- Discoloration of the tooth
- A small lesion on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot liquids or food
- Pressure or pain when biting down or chewing
Your Root Canal Treatment
We will make sure you are completely numb before beginning treatment. Dr. Daftary or Dr. Zaner will make a small access point in your tooth to remove the infection. They will completely clear out the diseased nerve and any tissue inside the canal before filling it with a rubber-like substance and medication.
They will then seal your tooth with a temporary filling to keep out bacteria and food particles, so your tooth does not become re-infected.
We will allow your tooth to heal for a couple of weeks before rechecking it to make sure the infection is completely gone. You may feel slight sensitivity for a few days, which is normal, but you should be feeling like yourself again in a week or so.
Post-Root Canal Treatment
We will follow up on your care to make sure your infection is completely healed and then recommend a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown to protect and reinforce your tooth. Teeth can become more brittle after root canal treatment, and a dental crown will absorb the force from chewing.
Why Not Just Pull the Tooth?
Saving your natural teeth is usually the best way to protect the health and appearance of your smile. Replacing a missing tooth is often more costly and involved than saving the ones you already have!
Are You Having Tooth Pain?
Contact our Gaithersburg, MD office right away! Acting fast allows us to provide you with the best treatment and the best chance to save your tooth.