A root canal procedure is a necessary treatment that can save your natural teeth and preserve your bite. If you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth, you may need root canal therapy. As part of our general dental care, we provide root canal treatments to address infections and preserve your oral health. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy provide experienced dental care for patients who need a root canal procedure.
We also offer same-day endodontics for emergencies. Our dentist cleans, examines, and treats infected or damaged nerve endings in teeth during a root canal procedure. Advances in materials and techniques make root canal treatments an easier and more successful treatment, reducing discomfort for patients. We can perform the procedure and place a dental crown to strengthen the tooth in one visit to our Silver Spring dental office.
Signs That You Need a Root Canal Treatment
The term “root canal” refers to the inner region or canal of the tooth that contains the pulp, nerves, and other tissue. You may need a root canal treatment when the tooth incurs damage and you have an infection in the pulp. The procedure can prevent the need for a tooth extraction.
Signs may include the following:
- Gum swelling
- An abscess
- Bleeding around the tooth
- Pain in a specific tooth
- Tenderness when biting down
- Pain when chewing food
- Oral discomfort extending from the tooth to the cheek area
- Unusual sensitivity when you touch or chew on the tooth
- White or yellowish patches near the gum line or on the inside of your cheek
Other signs may include sudden or increasing tooth sensitivity and changes in the color of your natural tooth. However, don’t assume that you need a root canal treatment before getting a dental exam from your dentist.
Dechter & Moy Dentistry provide root canal treatments in our comfortable Silver Spring dental office. Visit us for an exam, and recommendations. We may be able to save your real tooth!
Root Canal Therapy in Silver Spring, MD
A root canal treatment involves several steps and is typically no more painful than a dental filling. You will most likely feel relief from your discomfort and tooth pain once the dentist removes the infected pulp. Our dentists in Silver Spring, MD, can complete the treatment in one visit versus two or three office visits.
The process begins after a thorough dental exam. Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will restore the health and stability of your tooth by removing the infected tooth pulp and replacing it with a biocompatible material. But first, our dentists will make sure that you need this procedure rather than a simple dental filling.
If you qualify, we will discuss your needs before the procedure. Then, we will make you comfortable and numb your mouth using a local anesthetic. We will make sure you are comfortable before, during, and after treatment.
The next step is to create a tiny hole in the back of the infected tooth. This will provide our dentist with access to the inner chamber. Next, he will remove the infected pulp, thoroughly clean and disinfect the inner root canal, and fill it with a special material. The material hardens to maintain the tooth’s structure.
After removing the infection, your dentist will seal the hole to prevent future infection. He may place a dental crown on top of the tooth to further protect it if the damage was extensive enough.
While root canal procedures have a bad reputation for being painful, the procedure itself actually relieves your tooth pain. The pain that you’re experiencing is from the infection and pressure that’s inside the tooth. Once we make the hole and ease the pressure, you will experience much less pain. Some patients may have some soreness after the procedure, but a majority of the pain will dissipate.
One-Visit Endodontics Treatment at Dechter & Moy Dentistry
A root canal procedure can save your tooth and avoid the need for extraction and tooth replacement. Dechter & Moy Dentistry provide same-day endodontics if you have tooth pain and need an emergency root canal procedure. Using our advanced treatment methods, we can complete the process and seal the tooth in one single visit! We will address your needs and quickly restore your oral health in no time. You will leave our office with a comfortable, pain-free smile!
Once the root canal procedure is complete, we may place a dental crown on top of the tooth. A crown is not always necessary, but it can improve the integrity of the tooth structure. Using CEREC technology, we can often complete this within the same visit. We can place a high-quality ceramic or porcelain dental crown immediately following a root canal procedure.
Patient Testimonial
Very pleased. I spent a fitful night trying to sleep last night with an increasingly painful toothache. I arrived at their office at 8:45 am, unannounced. After a short wait, they seamlessly fit me into their schedule! I was back home before 10:00 am, in plenty of time for an 11:00 business appointment. What relief!
If I hadn’t had the root canal so promptly, I likely would have cancelled an important business meeting. I very much appreciate their flexibility and overall competence. Feeling fine.
-Mike H.
Root Canal FAQs
We understand that patients may have many questions about root canal treatments. To help you out, read the following frequently asked questions to get the answers that you need to make an informed choice.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of a root canal procedure?
Dental insurance can be a valuable asset when it comes to covering the cost of a root canal procedure. However, each dental insurance policy is different. Depending on the policy, dental insurance may cover all or part of the cost of a root canal procedure.
Consider what your dental insurance covers and how much you will be responsible for paying out-of-pocket. We will work with you to determine if your benefits will cover any of your treatment costs. We will also provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost.
Can I eat a normal diet after a root canal procedure?
Yes, although in some cases, we may recommend that the patient avoid biting down hard on the treated tooth to allow proper healing. You only have to do this for a couple of days after the treatment. After a root canal procedure, you should maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Eating a normal diet can help speed up the healing process and reduce any discomfort.
However, there are certain foods that you should avoid or eat in moderation to protect the treatment area. Avoid foods that are high in sugar or acidic, as they can cause inflammation and irritation. Additionally, avoid hard foods such as nuts, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, as they can damage the newly formed soft tissue. Eating soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and bananas helps promote healing while providing essential nutrients for recovery.
Does a root canal treatment weaken the tooth?
A dentist only preforms a root canal procedure on weakened teeth, so teeth that need it are already decaying. A root canal can help save the tooth from more infection and decay. So in reality, the tooth is already weak and a root canal treatment will only strengthen the tooth.
How long do root canal treatments last?
Root canal treatments typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. This depends on their placement, and the patient’s diet and oral care. If you add a crown to your tooth, it may add time to its lifespan and make it stronger and more durable.
How long does it take to do a root canal?
A typical root canal takes about 60 to 90 minutes. However, The exact duration depends on the tooth’s condition and complexity. Simple cases might be quicker, while complex ones can take longer. We often complete the procedure in one visit. However, some teeth (like molars) might require two appointments.
Can a tooth where a dentist or endodontist did a root canal develop an infection again?
Yes. A tooth where a dentist performed a root canal can potentially develop an infection again. This is rare but possible if the seal breaks or decay reaches the root. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to reinfection. Regular exams help catch any issues early. Contact our dentist promptly if you notice pain or swelling in a treated tooth.