Root Canal Treatment in Alexandria, VA

Have you noticed jaw pain, swelling, or a raised bump on your gums? Do you have a throbbing toothache that has worsened over time?

All these symptoms mean you might have a tooth infection or abscess that requires root canal treatment. We understand that the thought of a root canal makes many patients nervous, but there’s no need for anxiety!

At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry, we use advanced dental technology and highly effective anesthetics that make the process comfortable and efficient. And with the skill and expertise of an experienced dentist like Dr. Charissa Chin, the procedure is easier than you ever imagined a root canal could be.

Root Canals Save Teeth

A root infection develops when bacteria enter the innermost part of your tooth, called the dental pulp. This can occur due to dental trauma, old deteriorating fillings, or a cracked or broken tooth that provides an access point for the bacteria.

The way we save an infected or abscessed tooth is to perform root canal treatment. The only other option is to remove the tooth.

Symptoms of Root Canal Infection

Numerous symptoms indicate an infected or abscessed tooth that requires prompt treatment:

• Jaw swelling or pain
• Tooth pain that worsens over time
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• A whitish bump or “pimple” on the gums
• Red, swollen, or inflamed gums
• A foul taste or odor in your mouth

However, it is not uncommon for a root infection to be asymptomatic. This emphasizes the importance of routine dental check-ups, where our team can detect a tooth infection early on before it becomes painful.

After diagnosing the infection using digital x-rays and 3-D cone beam CT scans, we thoroughly numb the tooth. If you have been in pain, you will experience desperately-needed relief once the anesthetic takes hold. We also offer nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, to take the edge off your anxiety so you can have a stress-free procedure.

The next step is to access the pulp chamber by creating a tiny hole in the tooth. Dr. Chin then uses advanced rotary endodontics technology to efficiently and meticulously remove every trace of infected pulp. Next, she disinfects the hollowed-out pulp chamber and fills it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to help prevent reinfection.

The final step is to seal the access hole with a temporary filling. It’s common to experience some soreness after your procedure, but taking an OTC pain medication will provide prompt relief.

After about two weeks of healing, Dr. Chin will check to ensure the infection is eliminated, then place a crown or final filling to protect and restore the tooth.

Call Us for Prompt Root Canal Pain Relief in Alexandria, VA

If you experience a throbbing toothache or any of the above symptoms, please call our Alexandria, VA, dental office. In the case of an infected tooth, postponing treatment can have serious consequences, including deadly systemic infection. Our friendly dental team will help schedule an emergency dental appointment so we can see you promptly and provide the relief you need. If you are in the surrounding communities, including Franconia, Kingstowne, Springfield, West Springfield, North Springfield, Fairfax, Lincolnia, Annandale, Manassas, and Falls Church we serve you too!