Restoring Decayed Teeth: Root Canals
Root Canals
Why do I need one?
Root canals are performed to treat the pulp of the tooth after it has become inflamed, infected or dead. The pult of the tooth is a soft tissue at the center of the tooth consisting of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The pulp chamber which is the hollow part at the center of the tooth, houses the pulp and is the part of the tooth that extends through the root of the tooth and into the surrounding bone. All teeth have at least one root canal but some teeth have more than one.
Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and the tissue that surrounds the root of the tooth. As such, Root Canal Treatment (RTC) is also known as endodontic treatment. During root canal treatments, pulp of the tooth is often removed and all the canals and pulp chamber of the tooth are filled and sealed to prevent infection.
Typically, patients feel pain or other symptoms which alert them to the need for treatment. However, often times, there may not be any symptoms or warning signs. When pain is present, there can be extreme sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli and the pain can continue after the hot or cold has been removed. Heat sensitivity, in particular, is a specific symptom that indicates the need for root canal treatment. In more progressed cases, severe general headaches are produced. If the tooth is dead and has become abscessed putting pressure on the tooth such as chewing can be extremely painful. If there is swelling around the cheek, throat or jaw there is urgent and immediate treatment is necessary. Many conditions of the mouth manifest themselves as a toothache. This is why it is so important to consult with a qualified licensed dentist for a dental exam which could discover vital issues with the tooth pulp.
Our Location
Infinite Smiles DC
1145 19th St. NW #508
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 849-3626
New Patients: (202) 568-6968
After Hours: (202) 826-7000
Fax: (202) 849-3598
Office Hours
Mon: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tues: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thurs: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sat: By Appointment
After hour & weekend
appointments available