A root canal is a common dental procedure that can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for extraction or replacement. Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, chips, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause pain, swelling, or sensitivity.
Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection. This helps preserve your natural tooth and restore normal function.
If you experience these symptoms, your dentist may recommend non-surgical root canal treatment to remove the diseased pulp. The root canal system is carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. Treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia and may require one or more visits. Success rates are approximately 90%. If a tooth is unsuitable for endodontic treatment or the likelihood of success is low, this will be discussed during consultation. Nitrous oxide sedation is available if needed, and patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
1. Healthy Tooth
2. Tooth Anatomy
3. Inflammation
4. Cleaned Canals
5. Filling Placed
6. Healed Tooth
Treatment is typically completed in one or two visits, and most patients return to normal activities the same day.
It is normal to experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days after treatment. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
A record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Please schedule a follow-up visit within a few weeks so your dentist can place the final crown or restoration. This step is important to protect the tooth and ensure long-term success.
The cost of root canal treatment varies based on the tooth affected and the extent of damage. Generally, endodontic therapy is more cost-effective than tooth extraction and replacement.
The cost of root canal treatment depends on the tooth affected and the extent of damage. In general, endodontic therapy is more cost-effective than extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge, while also preserving your natural tooth.
With proper care, teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment can last a lifetime. However, sometimes a treated tooth may fail to heal or pain may persist, even months or years later. In such cases, Endodontic Retreatment by Dr. Eghtesadi may be necessary.
Most teeth that receive a root canal can last a lifetime. However, sometimes a tooth does not heal as expected or becomes painful months or years after treatment. When this happens, a second procedure—called endodontic retreatment or a second root canal—may be needed to save the tooth.
Endodontic retreatment gives your natural tooth another chance by addressing any infection, missed canals, or new problems that may have developed since the original treatment.
In all these cases, retreatment can help preserve your natural tooth and avoid extraction or replacement with an implant or bridge.
Mild soreness is normal for a few days and can usually be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Most patients return to daily activities quickly.
A record of your retreatment will be sent to your dentist, who will complete the final crown or restoration. With proper care, your retreated tooth can last for many years.
Endodontists are specialists in saving teeth. At Endodontics of Gaithersburg, Dr. Ali Eghtesadi uses advanced techniques and technology to carefully retreat complex cases and give your tooth the best chance of long-term success.
By choosing an endodontic specialist, you maximize your chances of saving your natural tooth and avoiding extraction.
1. Inflamed Tissue
2. Filling Removed
3. Canals Cleaned
4. Root Material Placed
5. Filling Restored
6. Healed Tooth
New decay or a cracked/loose filling or crown can expose a tooth to infection.
If retreatment is recommended, the doctor reopens the tooth, removes the previous root canal filling, cleans and examines the canals, and then refills and seals them. A temporary filling is placed afterward.
You will need to return to your dentist promptly for a new crown or restoration to restore full function and protection.
Most teeth can be saved with a root canal. However, in some cases, infection or inflammation may remain around the root tip even after root canal therapy. When this happens, endodontic surgery may be recommended to save the tooth and prevent extraction.
The most common type of endodontic surgery is called an apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery or root-end resection. This procedure removes infected tissue at the tip of the root while preserving the rest of the tooth, helping patients keep their natural teeth instead of needing implants or bridges.
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed by an endodontist. A small incision is made in the gum to expose the bone and the affected root tip. The inflamed or infected tissue is carefully removed, along with the very end of the root. A small filling is then placed at the root-end to seal the canal and prevent reinfection. Finally, the gum is sutured to allow natural healing.
Over the next few months, the surrounding bone heals and strengthens, restoring full function to the tooth.
1. Infected Tissue
2. Tissue Removed
3. Suture Placed
4. Healing Complete
If you experience worsening swelling, severe pain, or concerns about healing, contact Endodontics of Gaithersburg immediately. Our team is here to help ensure a smooth recovery.