Root Canal
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Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC
Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Washington, DC
Despite what you may have seen in movies or television shows, root canals are relatively easy procedures that actually relieve you of a great deal of pain. At Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, in Washington DC, Dr. Culotta-Norton, provides safe and effective root canals for their patients who need to treat a damaged or infected tooth. If you’re in need of a root canal, restore your smile to optimal health today by calling the office or scheduling an appointment online.
Root Canal Q & A
What is a root canal?
A root canal (or endodontic treatment) is a procedure that treats a damaged or infected tooth by removing its pulp.
The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth composed of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. When your pulp is compromised, it swells. This swelling pinches the nerves within causing a great deal of pain.
Do I need a root canal?
If your tooth’s pulp is damaged or infected, you most likely need a root canal. Some of the symptoms of damaged or infected tooth pulp include:
- Toothache
- Darkened tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in your gums
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pus around your gumline or a pimple-like pocket near your tooth root
If left untreated, an infected tooth only gets worse and more painful. Furthermore, the infection can spread to neighboring teeth, your jawbone, or even your bloodstream.
What is involved in getting a root canal?
First, the team at Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC, drills a small access hole in the top of your tooth. They then use a series of small files to remove the damaged or decayed tissue within your tooth.
Once your pulp chamber is free of damaged tissue, the team cleans and sterilizes the inside of your tooth, and fills it with a rubbery sealant called gutta percha.
They then fill the access hole and fit you with a crown to restore strength and structure to your tooth and improve its appearance.
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canals have a reputation as being a painful procedure, but in reality, they’re no more difficult than a filling.
Your dentist provides you with local anesthetics during the treatment so you won’t feel anything during the actual procedure. They also provide you with pain medication for your aftercare.
You’ll actually find yourself relieved of a great deal of pain after your root canal since you’ll no longer be dealing with the pain of an infected tooth.
To learn more about how Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC can free you from pain and improve your oral health with a root canal, schedule a visit today by calling the office or booking online.
