chevy chase endodontist

What to Expect During a Root Canal: A Step by Step Guide

If you've been told you need a root canal, you might feel a little nervous. At Bethesda-Chevy Chase Root Canal Specialists, our expert team is here to ensure a smooth, comfortable experience. Root canals are routine procedures that relieve pain and save natural teeth. Here’s what you can expect during your visit.

Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis

Your root canal journey starts with a thorough examination. Using advanced imaging, we’ll assess the condition of your tooth and determine the extent of the infection or damage. Our specialists will explain the procedure in detail and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Step 2: Local Anesthesia and Patient Comfort

To ensure a painless experience, we administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. Our practice prioritizes patient comfort, offering gentle techniques and, if needed, sedation options to help ease anxiety.

Step 3: Cleaning and Disinfection

Once the tooth is numb, we create a small opening to access the infected or damaged pulp. Using precision techniques, we remove the affected tissue, clean the inner chambers, and disinfect the root canals to eliminate bacteria.. We then utilize the GentleWave® to thoroughly clean and disinfect hard-to-reach areas within the tooth. This advanced technology ensures better removal of bacteria and debris, promoting faster healing and long-term success for our patients.

Step 4: Filling and Sealing

After thoroughly cleaning the tooth, we fill the empty canals with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then sealed to restore its integrity.

Step 5: Final Restoration

In most cases, your general dentist will place a crown on the treated tooth to protect and strengthen it. We’ll provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Why Choose Bethesda-Chevy Chase Root Canal Specialists?

Located in Chevy Chase, Maryland, our highly trained endodontists use cutting-edge technology, including GentleWave®, for enhanced disinfection and preservation of tooth structure. Whether you're searching for ‘root canal specialists near me’ or the best endodontists in the Washington, D.C., area, our practice is dedicated to providing exceptional care.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been advised to get a root canal, contact us today at 301-654-6077 or visit endocc.com to schedule your appointment.

Endodontics Vs Implants – Which is Better for Your Damaged Tooth

Imagine you're dealing with a damaged or severely decayed tooth. In such a situation, your dentist is likely to suggest either endodontic treatment, commonly known as a root canal, or dental implant treatment to address the problem and relieve your discomfort. But what sets these two options apart? And what advantages do they offer? Continue reading to uncover the distinctions and benefits of these treatments.

WHAT IS ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?

Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, is a tooth-saving procedure designed to remove an infection from the dental pulp and fill the cleaned area with replacement material that strengthens and protects against possible future infections. A crown restoration is often used alongside root canal treatment to restore the natural aesthetics of the affected tooth. 

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are small, titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. They act as artificial roots upon which a dental prosthetic is securely attached. Dental implants can replace one or multiple missing, damaged, or decayed teeth to restore a smile back to its former glory.

Are you wondering whether root canal therapy or dental implant treatment is right for you? Let’s compare the benefits.

DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT:

Requires extraction of the tooth

Requires longer recovery periods

Comparably longer treatment time

Is comparably more expensive

Eliminates the need for removable dental prosthetics

ROOT CANAL THERAPY:

Saves the natural tooth from extraction

Is a painless procedure with a shorter recovery time

Is pain-relieving for those suffering from a dental infection

Is efficient and cost-effective

Restores natural function, health, and aesthetics

WHICH TREATMENT IS BEST FOR MY DAMAGED TOOTH?

Endodontic treatment at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Root Canal Specialists is a safe and comfortable solution to decaying and infected teeth. Our endodontists will help you decide which treatment is the best course of action for you, provide you with more information regarding each treatment option, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.