A root canal treatment is commonly called a root canal, and professionally called endodontic therapy. It’s a procedure in which inflamed or infected tissues in a tooth are removed to prevent further complications for a patient. This can prevent an abscess, for example. The procedure saves the tooth which will survive without the removed tissue because the tooth will become nourished by surrounding, healthier tissues instead.

A root canal is good for a tooth, as it allows the tooth to survive and thrive, and it’s good for the patient because they get to keep the tooth. Sometimes a root canal is necessary to save a tooth.

Inside the teeth is a soft tissue that can become inflamed or infected as a result of a crack, a chip, deep decay in a tooth, or multiple dental procedures done to a tooth. If a tooth with one of these issues isn’t treated, the issue can worsen and an abscess can form, and an abscess can be devastating for a tooth. Also, if one tooth stuffers, surrounding teeth can too. All of those issues, however, may be prevented with a root canal.

When determining whether a root canal is necessary, a dentist will check for issues like tooth pain, tenderness, sensitivity, or discoloration, as well as gum swelling or lymph node tenderness. There might be other issues or considerations too.

In fact, most people report that a root canal feels similar to having a filling put in! This means there may be some slight discomfort. The provider of the procedure will use local anesthesia to numb the area before proceeding with a root canal, so it shouldn’t be very uncomfortable. Also, the procedure is over pretty quick! Typically, a root canal procedure will take around 30 to 60 minutes.

When a root canal treatment is successful in saving a tooth and clearing up an infection, there’s a very, very good chance the tooth will survive for decades or even a lifetime. This may depend on the nature of your particular root canal. We’d be happy to answer this question for you, specifically, during a consultation here at Ideal Endodontics!

A general dentist can do a root canal, but an endodontist has more relevant experience and training. Often, an endodontist will perform dozens of root canals per week, whereas a dentist may only do a couple. Also, the endodontist has over two years of education beyond dental school as well as training in using advanced technology that can streamline the root canal process, better ensure patient comfort, and even provide better results. It could easily be said that it’s better to go to an endodontist for a root canal.

Ideal Endodontics has two fully capable endodontists in Dr. Moein Darjani DDS and Dr. Ali Manesh DMD. Both of them are specialists in root canal treatments, so they’re more than qualified to perform one for you. You can read more about the doctors on our Endodontists page.

We likely do! Ideal Endodontics has multiple locations and serves areas like Manassas VA and elsewhere. Please see our Locations page for our locations’ addresses and contact information. Call us at the location near you if you have any other questions for us!

We welcome you to schedule a consultation with us on our Appointments page! During a consultation, we’ll ask you about your issue, provide an exam, and then tell you more about root canal treatment with us. We look forward to it!