Root Canal in Gainesville, VA

Root canal therapy is a treatment option for patients who have suffered from severe decay or injury that compromises the internal tooth structure. Once decay and bacteria reach the inside of the tooth, this leads to infection, toothache, swelling, and sometimes a darkening appearance of the tooth.

In order to save the tooth and eliminate pain from the infection, the internal contents of the tooth must be removed and the canals cleaned and sealed. While this process may sound invasive or frightening, root canals are performed under sufficient anesthetic so that pain and discomfort are not experienced. Additionally, they are relatively common and not to be afraid of! In fact, they are incredible procedures that immediately begin working to rid the patient of pain and save the tooth from further damage.

Surprisingly, no – root canals aren’t painful. Our root canals in Gainesville are performed under sufficient anesthetics and sedation if needed so that you don’t experience any pain or discomfort. In fact, the primary goal of a root canal is pain relief, no causing further discomfort!

The most common sign that you may need a root canal is persistent pain or sensitivity to hot or cold. The best course of action is to see your dentist at GoSmiles Dentistry Gainesville as soon as possible to address the issue.

Also having your timely preventative care cleanings can aid in finding decay in the early stages, possibly preventing a root canal altogether!

We reinforce your tooth with biocompatible material and cover it with a crown to help maintain the structure and function.

Yes, a root canal is a safe and effective dental procedure. It’s a common treatment used to save teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted.

1. High Success Rate: Root canals have a high success rate and are routinely performed by dentists and endodontists (specialists in tooth pulp diseases). When done correctly, they can preserve a tooth for a lifetime.
2. Infection Control: The primary purpose of a root canal is to remove bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth, and save the natural tooth. Modern techniques and effective sterilization make this process highly successful in eliminating infection.
3. Pain Management: With the use of local anesthesia, a root canal procedure is typically no more painful than getting a filling. Post-procedure discomfort is usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
4. Prevention of Further Damage: By removing the infected or damaged pulp, a root canal prevents further decay and abscess formation, which can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

There is no specific age requirement for a root canal; the need for this procedure is based more on the condition of the tooth rather than the age of the patient. Root canals are performed on both children and adults when necessary. Here are some considerations regarding age and root canal treatment:

1. Permanent Teeth: Root canal treatment is most commonly performed on permanent teeth. These teeth can require treatment at any age after they have erupted, whether in adolescence or in older adults.
2. Primary (Baby) Teeth: Occasionally, root canals (or a similar procedure called a pulpotomy) may be performed on primary teeth if they are severely decayed or infected. The goal here is to maintain the tooth until it naturally falls out, as primary teeth play a crucial role in guiding the proper eruption of permanent teeth and maintaining proper alignment and spacing in the mouth.
3. Assessing Root Development: In younger patients, particularly those in their early teens or younger, the dentist will assess the development of the tooth roots. If the roots are not fully developed, a root canal can be more complex. The dentist may choose to perform a procedure that encourages continued root growth.