Root Canal & Endodontics in Chesapeake, VA

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is actually where the tooth pulp and nerve tissue are located. Dental root canal treatment is when a dentist removes the dying tissue, relieving the swelling that is likely causing you immense pain. When the canals are inflamed, they cannot expand inside the root, so they cause painful pressure.

What Symptoms Indicate That I Need a Root Canal Procedure?

Only a qualified dentist can determine what type of dental procedure you need to relieve your toothache. Our dentists typically perform root canals when the following symptoms are present:

• Severe pain
• Swelling near the tooth that hurts
• The tooth darkens in color
• Your tooth is sensitive to both hot and cold

Which Types of Dentists Perform Root Canals?

All general dentists have training in providing root canals. Endodontists, which are specialists at treating the interior of teeth, also perform root canals. If you make an appointment with our dentist, he or she will determine if you need to see a specialist or if you can have the procedure done in the comfort of our office.

What is Getting a Root Canal Like?

There are several steps to the procedure:

• You’ll receive a local anesthetic
• The dentist will drill a hole in your tooth’s crown to reach the pulp inside
• The dentist cleans, disinfects and shapes the canals
• The canals are filled with gutta-percha
• The dentist fills the access hole
• You return for a permanent filling or root canal crown.
• You should not feel any pain during the procedure. If you are nervous about the procedure, please let us know.

What is the Root Canal Cost at Our Office?

Your cost partly depends on how much damage your tooth suffered and what our dentist needs to do to prepare the tooth. The other portion of your cost will be determined by the number of roots your tooth has; molars have more roots than other teeth, so are more expensive. Let us know if you have dental insurance, as you may not have to pay for all of your root canal treatment. Since our dentists can’t give you an estimate of your cost without a comprehensive examination, call us today to schedule your appointment.

How Many Types of Root Canals Are There?

Molar root canals are common, although a person can have the procedure done on any tooth. There are baby root canals for when decay reaches the pulp of a baby tooth. Additionally, there are apicoectomies, which are procedures where a dentist cuts the tip off of the root of a tooth to seal it. This procedure is performed because there is still an infection present after a previous procedure.

Is There Anything Special That I Should Do After Having a Dental Root Canal?

After your procedure, our root canal dentist will provide you with instructions for pain management. You may feel sore for several days, but an over-the-counter medication should suffice. You will have a follow-up visit if you’re having the tooth crowned or you need a permanent filling. When you need a skilled dentist with experience performing root canals, call our office. We will schedule an appointment for you.