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.

The Essential Guide to Managing Child Dental Trauma

As parents, we strive to keep our children safe from harm, but accidents can happen, especially when it comes to active, playful kids. One of the most common types of accidents involves dental trauma, which can be distressing for both children and parents. Understanding how to handle dental trauma in children is crucial for their oral health and overall well-being.

What is Dental Trauma?

Dental trauma refers to any injury that affects the teeth and surrounding structures. In children, this often occurs during falls, sports activities, or other accidents. The trauma can range from minor chips and cracks to more severe damage, including dislodged or knocked-out teeth.

Fractured Tooth

During a dental emergency like a fractured tooth, it's crucial to take immediate action. First, if any pieces break off, try to save them. Rinse the mouth gently with warm water and apply pressure if there's bleeding. Use a cold compress outside the mouth to reduce swelling and manage pain. Seeking urgent dental care is vital, especially for severe fractures. Your dentist or endodontist will assess the damage and recommend necessary treatments such as bonding, crowns, or root canal therapy.

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth

In the case of a knocked-out tooth, handle it delicately, holding it by the crown and avoiding touching the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saline if dirty, avoiding scrubbing or removing any attached tissue. If feasible, try to reposition the tooth back into the socket. Otherwise, store it in milk or saliva. Quick action is crucial, so seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth. Timely reimplantation might be possible if done promptly and correctly.

Loosened Tooth

Sometimes the impact of trauma can loosen your tooth. If this happens, your bite might feel unusual as some of your teeth will be in a slightly different position. You can bite slowly together and then try to gently push your tooth back into its socket.

Loose teeth can heal. If your dentist or endodontist can re-establish proper tooth position, your gums and socket bone will re-model to tighten up around your tooth. Your dentist may also choose to bond or cement a splint to connect any loose teeth to more stable neighboring teeth. This helps to support the loose teeth so that they can heal.

Prevention is Key

While accidents can be unpredictable, taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of dental trauma in children:

Use Protective Gear: Encourage the use of mouthguards during sports activities to protect teeth from impact.

Childproofing: Make sure your home is childproofed to minimize the risk of falls or accidents.

The Role of Endodontists in Child Dental Trauma

Endodontists play a crucial role in managing dental trauma, especially concerning the pulp—the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. They specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries to the dental pulp, which is vital for preserving the affected tooth.

Conclusion

Child dental trauma can be distressing, but prompt action and seeking professional help can greatly improve the outcome. Remember to stay calm, take immediate steps, and seek dental care without delay. By prioritizing prevention and knowing what steps to take in the event of an injury, we can safeguard our children's precious smiles and ensure their long-term oral health.

If your child has experienced dental trauma, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of experienced endodontists is here to provide the necessary care and support for your child's dental health.

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.

What to Expect After a Root Canal Procedure

If you're new to the experience of having a root canal treatment, it's natural to have several questions regarding what to anticipate after the procedure. In this article, we aim to address the most common concerns patients have regarding the post-root canal experience.

How long will I be numb?

During the root canal procedure, your tooth and the surrounding area will be numbed using local anesthesia, which can take several hours to wear off completely. To avoid any accidental discomfort or injury, it is best to refrain from consuming chewy foods or hot beverages until the numbness subsides.

How soon can I eat or drink after the root canal procedure?

It is advisable to wait until the local anesthesia wears off before eating. However, if you feel thirsty or hungry, it is recommended to wait 30 minutes after the treatment.

Is it okay to chew on the root canal treated tooth?

To protect the treated tooth and facilitate proper healing, it is best to avoid chewing on the side where the root canal was performed. Instead, opt for chewing on the opposite side of your mouth until your dentist places the final restoration. Additionally, it is important to steer clear of hard or sticky foods, as they may dislodge the temporary restoration.

When can I return to work?

Most individuals can return to work immediately after a root canal treatment. However, it's worth noting that your lips, teeth, cheek, and/or tongue may remain numb for several hours following the procedure. If your job involves a significant amount of speaking or interacting with the public, you might want to consider taking the rest of the day off.

Can I drive myself?

Unless your root canal treatment involves conscious sedation, it is safe for you to drive yourself to and from your appointment.

How long should I wait before brushing and flossing?

After the treatment, you should resume your normal oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing. However, it is advisable to wait 30 minutes after the root canal before brushing your teeth, ensuring that the temporary filling has hardened.

When will I be able to exercise after a root canal procedure?

It is recommended to wait until the following day before engaging in any strenuous physical activities.

Is it normal to experience soreness in the jaw or gums after the root canal procedure?

Some irritation or soreness in the gums, jaw, or injection site may occur after the root canal treatment. To alleviate any discomfort, rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water, two to three times a day. Over-the-counter pain medication can also be used if necessary.

Will my tooth be sensitive after root canal treatment?

For a few days following the root canal treatment, you may experience tenderness in the treated tooth. This sensitivity is temporary and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Do I need any additional treatment following a root canal procedure?

Following a root canal, you will need to have a permanent restoration placed by your dentist. In most cases, this involves a dental crown, although a dental filling may suffice in some situations. The permanent restoration serves to protect the treated tooth from further contamination and strengthens it to prevent fractures. Rest assured that we will provide your dentist with a detailed report of your root canal treatment, including digital images for their records.

Summary

By familiarizing yourself with these post-root canal expectations, you can better prepare for a smoother recovery. Remember to consult with your endodontist for personalized advice and guidance throughout your healing process.

Dr. George Jong had the privilege of co-authoring a chapter in the textbook 3D Imaging in Endodontics

The Use of CBCT in the Diagnosis and Management of Root Resorption

• Martin D. Levin DMD & George Jong DDS 

• Chapter

• First Online: 12 June 2016

Abstract

Root resorption results in the loss of dentin, cementum, or bone by the action of clastic cells. Root resorption in permanent teeth is a pathologic process in response to inflammation that can be caused by numerous factors, such as infection, orthodontic treatment, traumatic injury, cysts, neoplasia, systemic disease, or chemical injury. Root resorption may be classified into external or internal root resorption, based on the location of the lesion. Accurate assessment is essential as the pathogenesis of external and internal root resorption is different and treatment protocols vary. Although periapical and panoramic imaging modalities may be helpful in identifying root resorption, early detection with periapical radiography is not considered reliable because of the difficulty in identifying lesions on the buccal or lingual/palatal surfaces. In contrast, CBCT makes it possible to examine the region of interest in any plane, determine accurate measurements, and eliminate tissue compression. CBCT has been used in the detection of small lesions, classification of the lesion, localizing and differentiation of the resorptive defect from other lesions, and directing treatment. CBCT aids in surgical planning by showing the relationship of the teeth and associated pathoses to important anatomic landmarks. The use of CBCT to show the true nature of external and internal resorption relies on the ability to examine the region of interest in any plane without distortion and eliminate artifacts associated with conventional radiography. Careful use of CBCT is advocated.