Root Canals

A root canal procedure is the best way to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury and preserve your natural smile. The alternative is an extraction and treatment to replace the tooth. While at times a tooth is non-restorable and an extraction is the only option, when possible, it’s best to try and save your natural tooth. With proper care, a tooth with root canal therapy can serve your smile well for many years to come.

Despite lingering myths from before the age of modern dental anesthesia and technology, having a root canal procedure today is as routine and comfortable as visiting the dentist for a filling. While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with your tooth completely numbed, we can also discuss options in dental sedation.

Whether the symptoms of a dental infection subside after a course of antibiotics, a draining abscess provides you with some temporary pain relief, or a tooth with radiographic evidence of pathology has not yet developed symptoms, it’s essential, before an infection worsens or occurs, to have a root canal procedure performed. In this way, the tooth can be disinfected, filled, and sealed to protect your health and avoid further problems.

If you have sustained a dental injury, have a toothache, jaw pain, swelling, or are experiencing any other unusual and uncomfortable oral symptoms, contact our office immediately for care. Dental problems that have not been evaluated and treated can significantly worsen, producing more severe damage and consequences for the involved teeth, your oral health, and even your overall wellbeing. Once you get in touch with our office, our friendly and compassionate office team will get you in for care at your earliest convenience.

While some root canal procedures can be completed in one visit, others may involve 2 or 3 appointments. How long it takes depends on various factors, including active infection, the number of canals in the tooth, and the tooth’s location or anatomy.

With a success rate that exceeds 95%, root canal therapy remains the most effective procedure to save a tooth in which the inner vital tissues have been damaged. However, as with all healthcare procedures, there are a small percentage of cases where the teeth become symptomatic a second time. The good news is that many of these teeth can still be saved with root canal retreatment or a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy.

The best ways to maintain a tooth with root canal therapy are to get the proper restoration required to rebuild and protect the tooth, maintain proper oral hygiene, and schedule appointments for routine dental checkups and care.

Saving a tooth with root canal therapy is a wise investment that, in the long run, is typically less costly and invasive than having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed bridge or implant. As far as the exact cost of care, it can vary depending on which tooth is being treated. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal therapy. At the office of Chadha & Co Dental, we do our best to optimize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Our staff will answer all your questions about the cost of care and discuss all your payment options.

At the office of Chadha & Co Dental, we use the latest technology and most effective methods of care to provide precise and gentle care. Our reputation for excellence is based upon a consistent record of achieving successful treatment outcomes while providing prompt, stress-free, and convenient treatment for every type of dental need.

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes inflamed or infected pulp from inside a tooth to relieve pain and preserve the natural tooth structure. Modern root canal therapy focuses on cleaning and sealing the root canal system with biocompatible materials so the tooth can continue to function. The goal is to eliminate infection, stop discomfort, and avoid extraction when a tooth can be saved.

Root canal treatment is typically recommended when deep decay, a crack, or trauma exposes the inner tissues and allows bacteria to invade the pulp chamber. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of the problem spreading to adjacent teeth or the jawbone. After the canals are sealed, the tooth is restored with a protective filling or crown to restore strength and appearance.

Common signs that a tooth may need root canal therapy include persistent or worsening toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, and tenderness when biting. Other indicators can be tooth discoloration, localized gum swelling or drainage, and increased tooth mobility in advanced cases. Some teeth produce few immediate symptoms and are identified as problematic only through clinical examination and dental X-rays.

If you notice the warning signs described above or a routine exam reveals suspicious findings, prompt evaluation allows the dentist to recommend the least invasive, most predictable option. Early detection often makes treatment simpler and more successful. Scheduling an examination and appropriate imaging gives the best chance of preserving the natural tooth.

Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia so the tooth and surrounding tissues are numb and the patient remains comfortable. The dentist accesses the inner chamber, removes the inflamed or infected pulp, and carefully cleans and shapes the canal system to prepare it for filling. The prepared canals are sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection and provide a stable internal foundation.

Depending on the tooth's anatomy and the presence of infection, the procedure may be completed in a single appointment or over two or more visits to allow thorough disinfection. Sedation options are available for patients with anxiety and can be discussed during the consultation. At Chadha & Co Dental we prioritize clear explanations and gentle care so you know what to expect at every step.

Most patients report that root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than receiving a filling because the area is numbed with local anesthesia before work begins. It is normal to experience mild to moderate soreness for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal, and over-the-counter pain relievers are often sufficient to manage this discomfort. Severe or worsening pain, persistent fever, or evidence of spreading swelling should prompt a prompt re-evaluation.

Modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure predictable and manageable for the vast majority of patients, and additional sedation can be offered if needed. Communicating any anxiety or medical concerns ahead of treatment helps the dental team tailor care for your comfort. If unusual symptoms arise after treatment, contact the office for guidance and follow-up.

The primary alternative to saving a tooth with root canal therapy is extraction and subsequent replacement using a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture. While extraction eliminates the infected tooth, tooth replacement often requires additional procedures to restore chewing function and support proper alignment. The decision between treatment options depends on the tooth's condition, overall oral health, and long-term goals for function and aesthetics.

Preserving the natural tooth whenever feasible tends to maintain chewing efficiency, preserve jawbone volume, and avoid more complex restorative work later. Your dentist will review the advantages and limitations of each option and recommend a plan that balances durability, oral health, and the least invasive approach. Timely evaluation helps determine the most appropriate path forward.

Treatment time varies by tooth complexity, location, and whether an active infection is present, but many root canals can be completed in a single visit lasting between about 60 and 90 minutes. Molars or teeth with curved or multiple canals may require longer appointments or a second visit to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection. Your dentist will explain the expected timeline based on the diagnostic findings and plan of care.

When multiple visits are needed, a temporary filling is placed between appointments to protect the tooth and reduce sensitivity. After the canal system is sealed, a follow-up appointment is scheduled to place a permanent restoration, such as a crown, when recommended. Completing the final restoration in a timely manner is important to restore strength and full function to the treated tooth.

Many teeth that have had root canal therapy benefit from a crown or other protective restoration to restore strength and prevent fracture, particularly back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. Anterior teeth with minimal structural loss may sometimes be restored with a strong filling, while molars and premolars more commonly require crowns. The recommendation is based on the amount of remaining tooth structure, the tooth's role in chewing, and aesthetic considerations.

Placing a permanent crown protects the tooth from reinfection and helps maintain long-term function and comfort. Your dentist will discuss material options and timing for the final restoration so you understand how the choice supports durability and appearance. Delaying the permanent restoration can increase the risk of tooth damage, so follow-through is an important part of successful treatment.

Immediately after treatment you may experience numbness from the anesthetic and mild soreness as surrounding tissues settle; avoid chewing until sensation returns to prevent accidental injury. Gentle brushing and flossing around the treated tooth support healing, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication typically manages discomfort unless a prescription is provided. Follow any post-operative instructions carefully, including guidance about temporary restorations and dietary restrictions.

If antibiotics or other medications are prescribed, take them exactly as directed to support healing and reduce the risk of complications. Contact your dentist if you notice persistent swelling, increasing pain, fever, or drainage from the gum near the treated tooth. Routine dental visits and good oral hygiene are important to protect the restored tooth and detect any future issues early.

Modern root canal therapy has a high success rate, and many treated teeth remain functional for decades when properly restored and maintained. Longevity depends on factors such as the quality of the canal filling, the integrity of the final restoration, oral hygiene, and whether the tooth has a structural fracture or recurrent decay. Teeth that receive timely crowns or other protective restorations after canal therapy generally have better long-term outcomes.

In cases of recurrent infection or persistent symptoms, retreatment or surgical procedures such as an apicoectomy can often address the problem while preserving the tooth. Periodic radiographic follow-up and regular dental examinations help monitor healing and identify any concerns early. Maintaining good overall oral health supports the long-term success of root canal-treated teeth.

Seek urgent dental care if you experience severe, unrelenting tooth pain, significant facial swelling, fever, or signs that an infection may be spreading, such as red streaks on the face or difficulty breathing. For less severe but persistent symptoms like lingering sensitivity, dull ache, or localized gum drainage, schedule an evaluation promptly so the problem can be diagnosed before it worsens. Early assessment often allows for simpler, more predictable treatment and can prevent complications.

To schedule an evaluation, call the office for new patients at (301) 264-1224 or existing patients at (301) 365-0055, or visit the practice at 6000 Executive Blvd, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Our team can advise on next steps, availability, and any preparations you should follow before your appointment. If you suspect a dental emergency, contact the office as soon as possible so care can be arranged.