Root Canal in Williamsburg, VA

Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know

Thinking about having a root canal can be very stressful for some patients. So stressful that people will come in an emergency and almost request an extraction over a root canal over the fear.

Just hearing the words “root canal” can make some people uneasy—but we’re here to help take the fear out of it.

This is usually a fear of the unknown. Understanding why a root canal is needed and what the procedure involves can make all the difference.

I like to think about a root canal as having a filling inside the tooth. A root canal can be needed for a variety of reasons.

If the decay extends into the nerve, a root canal will be needed to effectively remove the bacteria. The patient will be numbed up and the canals will be cleaned with a series of instruments and solution. They will be sealed and filled with a biocompatible material.

Following the root canal, the tooth will be prepared for the permanent crown to be placed. This will be done in two steps while a temporary will be placed for the patient during the permanent crown fabrication.
 

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

The most common reason is a large cavity that has reached the inner pulp of your tooth. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and when it becomes infected, it can cause significant pain. Unfortunately, at this stage, a regular filling isn't enough. We need to clean out the infection inside the root canals—hence, the need for a root canal.

If left untreated, the infection can travel through the canal to the end of the root, damaging the surrounding bone and leading to a painful abscess (often at the most inconvenient times—like a Saturday night!).
 

What Happens During the Procedure?

Think of a root canal as a filling inside the root of your tooth. You’ll be numbed just like you would be for a routine filling or deep cleaning, so you’ll be comfortable throughout the process.

Using a series of specialized instruments, we carefully clean and shape the inside of the root canal, removing infected tissue and debris. Then, we fill the canal with a material called gutta-percha, which seals it and prevents future infection.
 

What to Expect Afterward

Some mild sensitivity in the area is normal for a couple of days due to the cleaning process. This typically resolves on its own.

After your root canal, we recommend placing a crown on the tooth. This provides full coverage and protection, strengthening the remaining tooth structure and preventing future damage