Root Canal Treatment in Leesburg

Loudoun Endodontics provides root canal services in Leesburg, VA. Call 703-779-7900 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

We use root canal therapy to treat inflamed or infected pulp tissue, allowing you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted. Although it is possible to have no symptoms when root canal treatment is needed, many patients who need root canal therapy experience severe dental or facial pain. This is because the pulp tissue is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, making it extremely sensitive.

Many patients expect root canal treatment to be painful, but root canal therapy is more likely to eliminate your dental pain, not cause it. In fact, most people leave our office feeling better than when they arrived. A root canal is usually no more painful than having a cavity filled by your dentist thanks to modern endodontic techniques and local anesthetics.

To ensure your comfort, your tooth and the surrounding tissues are profoundly anesthetized before root canal treatment begins. Once successful anesthesia is confirmed, an opening is made in the crown of your tooth to provide access to the pulpal tissues. The pulp is removed, then the canals are shaped, cleaned, and disinfected. We may medicate your tooth and complete your treatment at a second appointment if you have infection or severe inflammation.

The next step is to fill the treated canals and pulp chamber with gutta percha, a rubber-like material that seals your tooth and prevents reinfection. A temporary restoration is placed to protect your tooth, then you'll visit your dentist for a filling, crown, inlay, or onlay to permanently restore the tooth's function, strength, and appearance.

You may have tenderness and sensitivity in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth and at the injection sites when you leave our office and the local anesthetic begins to wear off. This discomfort is usually minor and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. As long as the treated tooth is sensitive or has a temporary restoration in place, try to avoid chewing on that side of the mouth.

Root canal treatment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the anatomy of your canals and how inflamed or infected the pulpal tissues are inside the tooth. If the infection or inflammation is severe, treatment may require multiple visits.

Yes, you will remain awake during your root canal treatment, but local anesthetic is used to ensure that you are profoundly numb and comfortable throughout your procedure.

As we work, you will feel pressure and movement in your tooth, but no discomfort. It is also common to have some discomfort as a result of having to keep your mouth open during the treatment. The majority of patients find that their root canal experience was much less scary than they expected.

A crown (or cap) is usually required after root canal treatment, but this is not always the case. A dental filling, inlay, or onlay may be able to restore your treated tooth in some cases. Your dentist will determine the best restoration for your needs.

Call 703-779-7900 to schedule your appointment.