Are you getting ready for a root canal procedure but aren't sure what to expect? Here's everything you need to know about root canals.

What Is a Root Canal Infection?

Root canal therapy is a form of endodontic treatment. This means that it is a treatment that involves the interior of the teeth. 

Many of our patients are familiar with the outer layer of the tooth that is made of a hard material called enamel. The inside of the tooth is more sensitive. At the center of the tooth is a small cavernous space that contains blood vessels, nerves, and living tissues collectively known as the pulp.

This is the living portion of the tooth, and it is very vulnerable to bacterial infection. When bacteria reach this area, microbes multiply and spread very rapidly. This creates an inflammatory response that places pressure on the nerves inside your teeth.

Bacteria can reach the center of the tooth due to a crack or injury. Commonly, the microbes reach the pulp via an untreated cavity or an ill-fitting restoration. This is why preventing and removing cavities is so important. 



Once the infection begins, patients require prompt intervention from our doctor. 

Why Are Root Canal Infections a Dental Emergency?

Root canal infections are always treated as a dental emergency. The infections spread rapidly once the bacteria reach the inside of a tooth. 

Left untreated, root canal infections can travel to the jawbone and supportive structures of the teeth. Root canal infections have even been known to spread through the skull. Untreated root canal infections can be fatal. 

Root canal infections are also painful. Many patients describe the pain as debilitating.



To prevent the infection from spreading and to save your natural tooth, your root canal infection will need to be treated urgently. We offer same-day emergency treatments to patients who have a root canal infection. 

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

If you experience sharp and unexpected pain from one of your teeth, you may have a root canal infection. If you are able to, call our office at 703-783-2406 or have someone call on your behalf. One of our team members will likely advise that you have someone drive you to our office that same day.

Once you arrive, your comfort will be our top priority. Local anesthesia will be administered.

This cuts off the pain receptors in your infected tooth. The results are immediate relief from pain and discomfort. 

Some patients also benefit from sedation. This option places patients in a relaxed dream-like state where time passes more quickly. 

Once you are completely relaxed, one of our dentists will drill a small hole in the top of the infected tooth. This allows the doctor to reach the area of infection. Then, the dentist will remove the infected tissue before cleaning the empty cavity.

Once the dentist removes the infection, he or she will place a special material called gutta-percha inside the cleaned area. To seal the tooth, an inlay, onlay, or another type of restoration will be used to seal the hole in your enamel. 



A member of our team will give you recovery guidelines. Recovery from this procedure is straightforward. Be sure to report any spike in pain following the procedure. 

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

The main benefit of root canal therapy is the immediate restoration of oral health and alleviation of pain. A root canal infection can be an unsettling experience. By seeking prompt treatment at our office, you can benefit from immediate comfort.



Root canal treatments are also very effective. The vast majority of treatments completely remove infections and preserve natural teeth. On rare occasions, the infection can return, which can require tooth extraction to restore oral health.

Tips for Preventing Root Canal Infections

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