A root canal is a necessary treatment that can save your natural teeth and preserve your bite. If you have a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged, you may need root canal therapy. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy provide experienced dental care for patients that need a root canal and offer same day endodontics for emergencies.
Advances in materials and techniques have made root canals an easier and more successful treatment, reducing discomfort for patients. We use advanced technology and can perform a root canal and place a dental crown to strengthen the tooth all within one visit to our Silver Spring dentist office near you.
The term “root canal” refers to the inner region or canal of the tooth that contains the pulp, nerves, and other tissue that supported the development of the tooth. Although not considered necessary once the tooth has fully erupted in the gums, the pulp can become infected and lead to pain, swelling, or an abscess.
These are common signs that you may need a root canal in addition to sudden or increasing sensitivity and changes in the color of the tooth.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal treatment involves several steps and is typically no more painful than a dental filling. Your Silver Spring MD dentist can complete it in one visit versus two or three office visits. 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.
For most patients, we will make them comfortable with a local anesthetic. We will discuss your needs before the procedure and make sure you are comfortable before, during, and after treatment. You will most likely feel relief from your discomfort and tooth pain once the dentist removes the infected pulp.
The first step is to create a tiny hole in the back of the tooth. This will provide access to the inner chamber and allow us to remove the infected pulp, thoroughly clean the inner root canal and replace it with a special material that will serve to maintain the tooth structure. After removing the infection, your dentist will seal this hole to prevent future infection.
While root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, the procedure itself actually relieves pain most of the time. The pain 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. There will be some soreness after the procedure, but a majority of the pain will be gone.
One Visit Endodontic Treatment in Silver Spring
If you are experiencing tooth pain and are in need of an emergency root canal, Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy can offer same-day endodontics to address your needs and quickly restore your oral health.
A root canal can save your tooth and avoid the need for extraction and tooth replacement. Using an advanced treatment method we can complete the root canal process and seal the tooth in one visit. You will leave our office with a comfortable, pain-free smile.
Once the root canal is complete, we will most likely recommend placing a dental crown to improve the integrity of the tooth structure long term. Using CEREC technology we can often complete this within the same visit, placing a high-quality ceramic or porcelain dental crown immediately.
Root Canal FAQs
Does dental insurance cover the cost of a root canal?
Each dental insurance policy is different. We will work with you to determine if your benefits will cover any of your treatment costs and to provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost.
Can I eat a normal diet after a root canal?
Yes, although in some cases we may recommend that the patient avoid biting down hard on the treated tooth for several days to allow proper healing.
Does a root canal weaken the tooth?
A root canal is only performed on already weakened teeth. Teeth in need of a root canal are decaying. A root canal can help save the tooth from more infection and decay. However, the tooth is already damaged and cannot be fully repaired.
How long do root canals last?
Root canals typically last anywhere from 10-15 years depending on their placement, and the patient’s diet and oral care. If you add a crown to your root canal it may add time to its lifespan and make it stronger and more durable.