Root Canal Therapy in Dumfries, VA & Washington DC
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dental procedures that will correct a range of cosmetic issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Root Canal Therapy For Infected and Painful Pulp
Root canal therapy is a common procedure that involves removing the infected pulp of a tooth in order to relieve discomfort or severe pain and improve the likelihood of avoiding having a tooth extracted. Although the root canal procedure has a negative connotation for many people, advancements in dental techniques along with availability of dental sedation have made this procedure far less uncomfortable than it once was. Root canal therapy can also be the best available option to avoid losing a natural tooth and can prevent additional oral health issues from developing.
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures, from common treatments like fillings or root canal therapy, cosmetic treatments like veneers or teeth whitening, restorative procedures like dental implants to replace a missing tooth or teeth, and emergency care. To ensure you are comfortable and have as enjoyable an experience as possible, we also offer sedation dentistry so you can remain calm and receive the care you need.
If you are interested in learning more about the quality services we offer, or to schedule an appointment for root canal therapy, contact our office at 703-445-9600, stop by our clinic located at 17181 Wayside Dr., Dumfries, Virginia, or schedule an appointment online.
Common Indications Root Canal Therapy Is Needed
Common indications that the pulp and root of your teeth are decayed and a root canal is necessary include:
- Severe toothache pain
- Pain while chewing or when pressure is exerted to your tooth
- Change in shade/color of a tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen gums
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment for an examination to identify and address the underlying issue and determine if root canal therapy is necessary.
Contact Dental Serenity
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures that will correct a range of oral health issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Procedural Steps of Root Canal Therapy
The root canal process begins with an initial consultation to evaluate your overall oral health and determine whether root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment option. If necessary, dental X-rays or other diagnostic exams will be taken to assist with the diagnosis and inform your treatment plan. This appointment will also include a review of your medical history to assess risks and avoid unnecessary complications.
If it is decided that root canal therapy is necessary, a follow-up examination will be scheduled. Prior to performing the procedure, we will explain what you can expect during the procedure and answer any questions you might have. Next, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area being worked on, and if requested or necessary, we will also administer dental sedation (nitrous oxide) to help reduce any anxiety or concern you may have.
Once this has taken effect, the procedure begins with removal of the injured pulp, after which the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. If significant decay has occurred, a dental crown will be placed to seal the tooth, but if the decay is less severe, a dental filling may be placed instead.
Root Canal Therapy Aftercare
After root canal therapy, stick to softer foods to give your sealants time to heal. Once the healing process is complete, the best thing you can do to avoid similar issues is to follow these best practices:
- Practice good daily oral hygiene habits: Enjoying good oral health requires a personal commitment on your part to consistently brush your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly. If you struggle with flossing on a regular basis, you may want to consider floss picks or interdental brushes.
- Eat healthy: Avoiding unhealthy foods and beverages that are high in starch and sugar is one of the best ways to avoid developing gum disease. It is also important to swish your mouth with water after eating a meal or drinking a sugary beverage to remove food remnants that can cause decay if not removed. Using a straw while drinking sugary beverages also reduces the amount of sugar that is exposed to your teeth.
- Dental cleanings/checkups: To prevent cavities, gum disease, or other issues, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning and checkup at least every six months. In addition to performing a professional cleaning, these checkups also provide an opportunity to identify and begin treating issues before they become worse.
What is the Cost of Root Canal Therapy?
The cost of root canal therapy will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your case, where the tooth is located (molars are generally more expensive than front teeth), whether dental sedation, diagnostic tests, cost of pain medication and/or antibiotics, and whether you are covered by dental insurance. If you do have dental insurance, your final bill will be determined by your dental insurance coverage, co-pay requirements, and annual deductibles.
Our clinic is in network with most PPOs and accepts all insurance plans. We also offer interest free financing through Lending Club, and CareCredit, or you may consider joining our Dental Serenity Membership Club to save money on treatment and simplify your payments for preventative care. To learn more about Dental Serenity Membership Club, click on the following link: https://dental-serenity.illumitrac.com/
For your convenience, we accept all forms of credit and debit cards, including Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Dentistry with a Gentle Touch
At Dental Serenity™, we understand that visiting the dentist can cause concern and anxiety, which is why we do everything we can to ensure that your experience is an enjoyable one. To help provide you with as enjoyable an experience as possible, our office is fitted with free high-speed wireless internet, flat screen TVs in all of our treatment rooms, soothing music to put you in a relaxed state, aromatherapy, and neck massagers in our waiting room. We are also committed to providing you with services when you need them most, which is why we offer early morning and late evening appointments throughout the week.
To schedule an appointment for root canal therapy, contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the best dental care possible delivered in a comfortable and calm environment by professionals who are committed to ensuring that you receive the personalized care you deserve and continue to enjoy good oral health!