How can we help you?
When it comes to your dental care, you may have more questions than answers, and that's okay!
We expect and welcome questions because we know that informed patients tend to enjoy better oral health. When we know what's on your mind, we can provide the guidance you need to make confident decisions about your oral care.
We get a lot of questions, and here are a few that we hear most frequently. If you have a question and don't see it answered here, please don't hesitate to call us at (703) 281-7104 or email us using our convenient online contact form.
Root Canals
Root canal therapy is a standard dental procedure where your dentist will remove an infection from the interior pulp of your tooth. Once the infection is removed, they will seal the tooth and place a dental crown on top to strengthen and protect it. Root canals have a bad reputation for being lengthy and painful, but the truth is that the root canal procedure is painless and will alleviate your dental pain in that tooth. One question you may have is whether there is a risk of further infection after your root canal. Let’s find out more.
Is There a Risk of Infection after a Root Canal?
Although it’s uncommon, you could develop an infection after a root canal if any of the following occur:
- Bacteria enter the root canal site during the procedure
- Your tooth’s root cracks
- You have a defective filling placed on top of your affected tooth
- Your dental crown decays
Signs of an Infected Root Canal
Even though it’s rare for an infection to develop, it can happen days, weeks, or years later. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t ignore them:
- Lingering or throbbing pain when you bite down or chew
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen and tender gums
- A pimple on your gums
- Persistent bad breath
Call your Vienna dental office as soon as possible for an appointment if you have symptoms.
Need Information about Root Canals in Vienna, VA?
If you have questions about root canal therapy or the potential risks associated with root canals, we are here to help! Our dental team can answer your questions and help you form a treatment plan that works for you. Call us at (703) 281-7104 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
You just scheduled an appointment for root canal treatment and are wondering how long recovery will take and what to expect. Here's a timeline to help you understand the process:
Day One: After Root Canal Treatment
Take the remainder of the day off if possible to rest and recover.
If you received sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home and avoid making important decisions.
Numbness from local anesthesia typically lasts 2–4 hours.
Manage Discomfort
Prevent discomfort by starting prescribed or recommended medications before the numbness wears off.
- Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side.
Day Two: Getting Back to Normal
Most people return to work and normal activities, but may continue to experience:
- Mild to moderate discomfort that's manageable with medication
- Slight swelling around the treated area
- Sensitivity when biting down on the treated tooth
Days 3-7: Steady Improvement
Discomfort should steadily decrease each day. If you experience pain, severe swelling, or signs of infection, contact your dentist immediately.
Root canal follow-up care:
- Keep your follow-up appointment to complete treatment with a permanent crown
- Maintain good oral hygiene while being gentle around the treated area
Root Canal Treatment in Vienna, VA
Your team at Vienna Family Dental will provide recommendations and information about recovery, but if you still have questions, please call us so we can help you feel confident and informed about the process.
We perform a root canal to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. Millions of root canals are performed every year with the purpose of saving teeth from extraction.
There are several reasons why a root canal might be recommended. A tooth that has fractured below the gum line or has had deep decay, repeated dental treatments, and trauma can all result in the need for endodontic (root canal) treatment. Without treatment, your pain will worsen, and the tooth will ultimately need to be extracted.
During a root canal procedure, we remove damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the canals of the tooth, then fill and seal it.
We know that root canals have a bad reputation, but the team at Vienna Family Dental and Facial Esthetics puts your comfort first. We have decades of experience helping our patients receive treatments like root canals easily and comfortably.
In addition to attentive care, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help you stay calm and relaxed. We even offer IV sedation administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist who visits our office.
If you think you may be dealing with an infected root canal or are currently in pain, please call our Vienna dental office at (703) 281-7104. We will make every effort to see you as soon as possible, usually the same day.