A root canal, also called a root canal treatment or endodontic therapy, is a procedure in which inflamed or infected tissues inside an unhealthy tooth are removed to prevent further complications for a patient. The procedure can prevent an abscess from forming, for example. As a result of the procedure, the tooth is saved, and it will continue to survive without the removed tissue because the tooth will be nourished by surrounding, healthier tissues instead.

A root canal really is therapeutic for a tooth, as it allows the tooth to survive and thrive for many years to come. In some cases, a root canal is necessary for a patient.

To save a tooth, it may be necessary to get a root canal. Inside your teeth is a soft tissue that can become inflamed or infected when a tooth has a crack, a chip, or deep decay, or has had multiple dental procedures done on it. If the tooth isn’t treated, the issue can worsen and result in an abscess forming. This abscess can be devastating for a tooth, and if one tooth suffers, surrounding teeth may suffer too. However, these issues can be prevented with a root canal.

A dentist or root canal specialist will look for certain signs and issues when making a determination about whether a root canal is necessary. Such signs and issues may be tooth pain, sensitivity, tenderness, or discoloration, or possibly gum swelling or lymph node tenderness. There might be other signs, issues, or considerations.

Actually, most people report that it feels similar to having a filling put in! This means some slight discomfort, but it’s minimal because the provider of the procedure uses local anesthesia to numb the tooth and gums beforehand. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, so it shouldn’t be uncomfortable for long.

This is a great question, and we have a great answer for you! A general dentist can perform a root canal, but an endodontist has more relevant training and experience, with over two extra years of education beyond dental school, and training in advanced technology designed to enhance root canal results, streamline the process, and ensure patient comfort. Often, an endodontist will perform dozens of root canals each week, whereas a dentist may only perform a couple. All that means the endodontist is better able to provide a root canal treatment and make sure it’s as effective, smooth, and comfortable as possible.

At Ideal Endodontics, our endodontists are Dr. Moein Darjani DDS and Dr. Ali Manesh DMD. Both are specialists in root canal treatments, so they know exactly what to look for when determining whether a patient needs a root canal, and they’re more than qualified to perform one for you. If you like, you can read more about the doctors and their qualifications on our Endodontists page.

We likely do! Ideal Endodontics has multiple locations and serves areas like Silver Spring, MD. See our Locations page for our locations’ addresses and contact information, and call us at the location nearest you if you have any other questions for us.

When you’re ready, schedule a consultation with one of the doctors on our appointments page! During your consultation, we’ll ask you about your issue, provide an examination, and tell you more about root canal treatment with us.

We hope to see you soon here at Ideal Endodontics!