Root Canal Therapy in Virginia Beach VA
What is a root canal?
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of nerves and blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. If the infection or inflammation is not treated, it can cause persistent pain, lead to the formation of an abscess, and eventually result in tooth loss.
Why Would a Tooth Need A Root Canal?
A tooth’s pulp can become inflamed or infected due to:
- Deep decay that reaches the inner layers of the tooth
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- Faulty crowns that allow bacteria to seep in
- Cracks or fractures that expose the pulp to infection
- Traumatic injuries, even if no visible damage is present
Symptoms
Symptoms of the pulp damage or infection can include: prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperature, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums, pain when chewing or biting. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
.If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist may recommend non-surgical root canal treatment to remove the diseased pulp. During this procedure, the injured pulp is removed, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Treatment is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort and may require one or more visits depending on your specific needs. Success rates for this type of treatment are around 90%.
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The Root Canal Procedure
During a root canal procedure, we access the tooth’s inner chambers using special instruments, remove the pulp, and then clean and disinfect the area. We then refill the space with a material called gutta-percha to maintain the tooth’s shape, seal it, and place a temporary filling for protection. Once the tooth heals, it will be restored with a permanent crown or filling by your dentist and will continue to function like any other tooth. This process eliminates pain, stops the spread of infection, and preserves the natural tooth structure.
Saving your natural tooth through endodontic treatment is always the best option whenever possible. A natural tooth allows you to chew efficiently, maintain proper alignment of surrounding teeth, and preserve the strength of your jawbone. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or have been advised that you may need a root canal, contact our office for expert care and evaluation.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
Endodontic treatment is needed when the tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental work, faulty crowns, or cracks. Trauma can also damage the pulp, even without visible signs. If left untreated, this can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Root canal treatment removes the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth, relieving pain, preventing further damage and thus saving your natural tooth.
Preserving the Tooth’s Structure
A common misconception is that an infected tooth must be extracted, but in most cases, a root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth. During the procedure, the endodontist carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent further infection. This process eliminates pain while preserving the external structure of the tooth, allowing it to function just like a healthy tooth.
Preventing Tooth Loss and Restoring Comfort
By removing the infection and keeping the natural tooth intact, endodontic treatment helps you avoid the complications that come with tooth extraction, such as shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and the need for costly tooth replacements. More importantly, a root canal relieves pain and prevents the spread of infection, allowing you to return to normal daily activities without discomfort.
With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t wait—early treatment can make all the difference in saving your tooth and protecting your oral health.
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What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, we will send a record of your treatment to your dentist. Your dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. In most cases, a permanent filling or crown will be needed to protect and strengthen the tooth. Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist within a few weeks to complete the restoration and ensure long-term success.
After your root canal treatment, you may experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days as your tooth and surrounding tissues heal. This is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, if needed.
It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
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+ After Root Canal Treatment Instructions
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Root Canal vs. Extraction
When a tooth’s nerve becomes severely damaged or infected, the two primary treatment options are root canal therapy or extraction. Both procedures address pain and prevent infection from spreading, but they do so in very different ways. A root canal removes the diseased pulp, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to preserve the natural structure. This allows the tooth to continue functioning while avoiding the need for more extensive and costly restorative treatments like bridges or implants.
Extraction, on the other hand, involves completely removing the tooth from its socket. While this eliminates infection, it can lead to complications such as shifting teeth, bite misalignment, and difficulty chewing. Replacing the missing tooth often requires additional dental procedures, such as bone grafts or sinus lifts, and multiple visits with specialists. Extraction can also end up being more expensive and uncomfortable than a root canal, particularly when factoring in the cost of tooth replacement.
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth through root canal treatment is the best option for maintaining a healthy, functional smile. No artificial tooth can fully match the look, feel, or function of a real one. While extraction may seem like a quick fix, it often leads to more discomfort and ongoing dental work. Choosing a root canal is typically the most effective and cost-efficient solution for long-term oral health.
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Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of root canal treatment can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the location of the tooth, and whether additional procedures are needed. Molars, for example, tend to be more complex and may have a higher treatment cost than front teeth.
While pricing varies, root canal therapy is a cost-effective way to save your natural tooth and prevent the need for more extensive and expensive treatments like tooth extraction and replacement with a bridge or dental implant.
Our team is happy to discuss estimated costs and insurance coverage with you before treatment to ensure you have a clear understanding of your options. For more details on Care Credit payment plans, please visit our Payment Options page or contact our office at Meares Becker Endodontics Phone Number 757.200.6222.
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Got More Questions? Our team is here to help!
Don’t hesitate to give us a call at Meares Becker Endodontics Phone Number 757.200.6222 —we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
