Today’s root canals are virtually pain-free — especially at Dental Town DC — and are the best, most natural way to save a tooth that’s otherwise in danger of being extracted.
Why You Need a Root Canal
Root canals are tiny tubes that run down the roots of your teeth. They’re filled with sensitive nerves and blood vessels, so when they become infected they’re extremely painful. Signs that you have an infection include tenderness and swelling, severe pain especially when biting down, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and a pimple or abscess on your gum. Each year in the United States, root canals save approximately 24 million teeth.
What Happens During a Root Canal
We apply numbing agents before the procedure. You might also opt for nitrous oxide to alleviate any anxiety. After numbing the area, we use a small drill to make a tiny opening in your tooth, then extract the inner decay, infected nerve tissues, bacteria, and pulp. We clean the inside of your tooth before filling it with medicated dental materials. The last step involves sealing the opening with a filling. Sometimes we recommend covering the entire area with a dental crown for additional protection.
Root Canals Stop the Pain
The main benefit is saving your natural tooth. Losing a tooth causes surrounding teeth to shift, changes to your bite and jaw alignment, difficulty chewing or talking, and pockets for bacteria to grow, increasing your risk of gum disease. If you have a painful tooth, don’t ignore it. Contact us at our convenient location in Washington, DC today.