Root Canal
Charlottesville, VA
Root Canal in Charlottesville, VA
As your trusted general dentist in Charlottesville, VA, Harrison Dental Associates provides root canals to patients in need of restoring their dental health. While root canals may be a source of stress for our patients, our entire team does everything we can to make the procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We are happy to answer any questions you might have about this procedure during your next appointment.
About Root Canal Therapy
There are several steps involved in a root canal procedure once your dentist determines you need one. Sometimes, it may take two or three visits to complete. This will depend on the severity of the infection.
First, your dentist will thoroughly numb the area around the tooth. He will use a local anesthetic so you should not feel pain, just some pressure. Next, the dentist will drill a small hole in the hole in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. He will use a special surgical tool to gently remove all the infected tissue and nerves.
Most people feel relief after this is done. The dentist will use an antibacterial solution to clean out the tooth. Then he will use a rubber-like material called gutta percha to fill in the root canal. Your dentist will need to seal the hole. This is typically done with a dental filling. In most cases, they will recommend a dental crown to strengthen the tooth.
Will my Root Canal Procedure Hurt?
Pain is a common concern regarding root canals. However, with the improvements that come with modern dentistry, root canals are much more comfortable than they used to be. We utilize local anesthetics to ensure that your affected tooth is numb throughout the duration of the procedure.
Dr. Harrison uses the latest techniques for a minimally invasive procedure that will likely relieve your pain if there is a severe infection within the tooth pulp. Once complete, we will reseal the tiny hole created in the back of your tooth. Over the counter pain medication will keep you comfortable immediately after the root canal.
I am Nervous About my Root Canal Procedure…What Can Be Done?
We understand that the root canal procedure can be the source of some anxiety. Our office offers sedation dentistry options to keep you calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.
The use of local anesthetics paired with sedation dentistry options like laughing gas typically leave patients experiencing a dream-like state through the duration of their procedure. At the end of the procedure, the laughing gas mask is removed and the effects should wear off almost immediately.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
A root canal needs to be done when a tooth is deeply infected with bacteria from tooth decay. Often, this deep infection causes toothaches or sensitivity. However, even if your tooth doesn’t hurt or eventually stops hurting, you could still need a root canal. If the tooth is infected, a root canal is needed to stop the infection and save your tooth.
Book An AppointmentÂ
Working Hours
Mon-Thurs: 7am – 3pm
Fri-Sun: Closed
Call: 434-973-2968
Location
2700 Hydraulic Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901