Root Canal in Hampton, VA

A root canal treatment is necessary when an infection has reached the inner nerve of the tooth, causing decay or damage to the pulp tissue deep inside the tooth. The treatment is a relatively simple procedure with a very high success rate.

How Is a Root Canal Performed?

When the dentist determines that you need a root canal, we will prepare you for the procedure and decide what type of anesthesia is best for you. The Dentist Hampton, VA will then use an anesthetic to numb the area before creating a small hole in the affected tooth and removing the pulp. After the tooth has been cleaned and disinfected, it will be filled with a special type of filling material and then sealed with a temporary or permanent crown.

Following the procedure, you will need to take an antibiotic to treat any lingering infection in the tooth and the surrounding tissue. In most cases, patients who undergo root canals are able to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. However, in rare cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal may need to be extracted due to severe damage or an infection that does not go away after the procedure.

What Are the Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection?

Teeth that need a root canal may feel sensitive and sore as the infection progresses, but the good news is that a root canal is a procedure that quickly relieves any symptoms. Once the pulp is infected, bacteria can reach the tooth's inner chamber and cause infections or abscesses. This can lead to facial swelling, pain when chewing, sharp pains around the tip of the tooth, and a bad taste in the mouth.

The procedure can also alleviate the symptoms of an abscessed tooth, including gum swelling, fever, and constant throbbing. If these symptoms are ignored, the infection can spread to the root tip and jawbone, leading to further complications like bone loss. Complications from untreated tooth decay can also cause tooth loss, which can affect your whole body's health. A cavity can be restored with a filling or an inlay/onlay, but the infection in the nerve of the tooth can only be removed with a root canal procedure.

To find out more about the dental services offered we offer at Cheng Dental, call (757) 838-9140 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 21 Towne Centre Way, Hampton, VA 23666.