How Root Canal Therapy Saves a Damaged or Infected Tooth

Are you experiencing severe tooth pain or noticing signs of infection? When a deep cavity or trauma reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, harmful bacteria can cause infection, leading to pain, swelling, and potential tooth loss. If this is the case, root canal treatment may be able to help. 

At Contemporary Dentistry in Fairfax, VA, our team helps patients understand how root canal therapy can preserve their natural teeth and prevent further complications. If you're dealing with dental issues or want to learn more about the process, call today to schedule a consultation. 

How a tooth becomes damaged or infected 

A tooth can become damaged or infected due to a deep cavity, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma to the area. Unfortunately, when the inner pulp of the tooth is exposed or compromised by these factors, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. 

Left untreated, any of these issues can result in serious complications affecting your overall oral health. At Contemporary Dentistry, we may recommend root canal treatment to save your natural tooth. 

Tooth infection symptoms to watch for 

Common tooth infection symptoms include severe tooth pain that throbs or radiates to the jaw, prolonged sensitivity, swelling or tenderness around the gums, darkening of the tooth, and a pimple-like bump on the gum that may drain. 

These symptoms indicate that the nerve inside the tooth is damaged or infected. Without treatment, like a root canal, the infection can spread to surrounding tissue, bone, and even other parts of the body. We highly recommend contacting our office right away if you experience these symptoms. 

How a root canal is performed 

During root canal treatment at Contemporary Dentistry in Fairfax, VA, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the pulp. The infected pulp is taken out, and the canals are cleaned and shaped. Once the canals are thoroughly disinfected, they're filled with a biocompatible material and sealed off. A custom crown may be placed over the tooth at a follow-up appointment. 

Your root canal recovery timeline 

Root canal recovery is generally straightforward. You may experience some mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days as the surrounding tissue heals. Over-the-counter pain medication may be enough to manage discomfort. Our trained team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help with healing. 

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth right away. Stick to soft foods for the first day or two, and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently around the area. Most patients feel better within a few days and notice that the pain they had before treatment is gone. Full recovery, including crown placement, is typically complete within a few weeks. 

Stop tooth pain and protect your smile 

If you're experiencing tooth infection symptoms, severe tooth pain, or have a deep cavity that needs attention, Contemporary Dentistry in Fairfax, VA is here to help. 

Do you have questions such as, "What is root canal treatment like?" or "How long does root canal recovery take?" Our team provides gentle, effective care to help save your tooth. Call today to schedule your consultation.