Relieving pain and rescuing troublesome teeth:
FAQs about root canal therapy
Farhoumand Dentistry distinguishes itself from other dental offices in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, and beyond with our state-of-the-art capabilities. You can rest assured that treatments will be performed to the highest quality and safety standards and that they will be completed right the first time. “Root canals” are among those treatments with a high success rate exceeding 97%. They can be trusted to relieve pain (not cause additional pain) and preserve teeth that would have to be extracted otherwise due to severe damage.
Why is treatment called a “root canal”?
The term “root canal” refers to the space inside the tooth holding nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When this space is inflamed or infected due to disease or trauma, treatment may be in your future. This largely involves cleaning the canals, reshaping them, and sealing them off to encourage healing and prevent further damage.
How do I know if a root canal can save my tooth?
We won’t know if root canal therapy is the most appropriate next step until we evaluate your troublesome tooth. Sometimes, a filling or crown alone may suffice to repair a cavity or less extensive decay. However, when damage penetrates the innermost tooth structure, fillings, and crowns may be inadequate.
Can I tell if my tooth is severely damaged?
You may be experiencing a throbbing, aching tooth that keeps you up at night and prevents you from eating. You may also notice that your gums or other parts of your face look swollen and that the affected tooth is discolored. Or, you may have persistently bad breath and a foul taste in your mouth. Then again, you may not experience any of these things. Everybody is different. For this reason, we like to evaluate our patients regularly for problems during routine dental checkups.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
Will it hurt?
No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about root canal treatment. The procedure itself is not painful; the conditions it treats, however, can be very painful. Treatment is performed only after the tooth has been fully numbed. We often relieve painful pressure by opening the tooth to access the canals and remove the damaged tissue.
Maintain a Healthy Smile with Root Canals
If tooth pain or infection is disrupting your life, Farhoumand Dentistry in Tysons Corner, VA, offers expert root canal treatment. Doctors uses advanced techniques to preserve natural teeth, eliminate infections, and relieve discomfort while ensuring your comfort. Don’t delay treatment when your oral health is at risk. Call (703) 636-2442 or click here to book your for root canal ttheirapy that restores your smile and peace of mind.
Book an Appointment NowRoot Canal Treatment FAQs
Why do people need root canal treatment?
A root canal is needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, often due to cracks, deep decay, or trauma. The infection can spread without treatment, causing severe pain, swelling, or even tooth loss. The procedure removes the diseased tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent future problems. Far from being something to fear, root canals actually relieve pain and save teeth that might otherwise require extraction.
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canal treatment is not the painful experience many people imagine. Thanks to advanced techniques and local anesthesia, the procedure feels similar to getting a dental filling. The goal is to remove the source of pain, not cause more of it. Some patients experience mild soreness afterward, which usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are often all that is needed for comfort.
Why do root canals have such a scary reputation?
Root canals earned their reputation decades ago, when dental technology was less advanced. Today, patients benefit from improved anesthesia, more precise tools, and better techniques that make the process efficient and comfortable. The myth of root canals being extremely painful lingers, but in reality, most patients report that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. What truly causes pain is the untreated infection—not the treatment itself.
How much time will I need to set aside for my root canal?
The time needed for a root canal depends on the tooth being treated. While most treatments are completed in one to two visits, with each session typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes, molars may take longer because they have more canals, while front teeth usually require less time. However, with Dr. Sanam Kheirieh, an endodontist and specialist in root canals who uses a microscope for precision, the process is much more efficient. On average, she completes a molar root canal in just about one hour. Patients describe their experience with her as smooth, comfortable, and highly reassuring.
What can I expect after a root canal?
It is common to experience tenderness or mild sensitivity for a few days following treatment, especially when chewing. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication and gradually improves as the tooth heals. Most patients return to normal activities right away. Once fully restored with a crown or filling, the tooth should look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Do root canals always work?
Root canals have a very high success rate, often above 90 percent. In most cases, the restored tooth will last a lifetime with proper care. Rarely, a tooth may need additional treatment if infection returns, but advances in dental technology make retreatment highly effective. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups helps ensure the long-term success of your root canal.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
The only alternative to a root canal for an infected tooth is extraction. While removal may seem easier, losing a natural tooth often leads to additional dental problems, such as shifting teeth, bite changes, or bone loss. Replacing the tooth with a bridge or implant is more costly and complex than saving it with a root canal. Whenever possible, dentists recommend preserving your natural tooth.
How can I ease my anxiety about getting a root canal?
Sharing your concerns with your dentist is the first step. Knowing what to expect often reduces fear, since much of the anxiety comes from uncertainty or outdated myths. Many offices also offer relaxation techniques, gentle care approaches, and sedation options to help patients feel more comfortable. Remember that the procedure is designed to stop pain, not create it, and most patients are pleasantly surprised at how easy it feels compared to what they imagined.
How do I care for my tooth afterward?
Right after your treatment, you may need to refrain from chewing on that side of your mouth. You will also likely have a temporary crown placed. Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to our office promptly so we can secure it. The crown restores the strength of the treated tooth, and delays in placing can lead to root canal failures. So, follow the instructions provided by our team at Farhoumand Dentistry—call (703) 636-2442 to schedule your evaluation in Tyson’s Corner, VA, today. Do not wait if you are due for a checkup or are concerned about a tooth.
