Root Canals in Hopewell, VA
Despite the fact that people think they are scarier than horror movie villains, root canals are generally pretty boring and painless with no bleeding and virtually no recovery time! Sometimes things go haywire with the nerves in your teeth, and that’s what root canals fix. No more discomfort or pain!
Don’t let the bad rap and misconceptions fool you. A root canal requires very little drilling, and we’ll make sure you’re completely numb so you don’t feel a thing. Many patients fall asleep during the procedure!
So how does it work? We’ll make a small opening at the top of your tooth to access the nerve in the center. We’ll carefully lift out the infected parts of the nerve, essentially removing the source of pain. Then we’ll clean it out super well, disinfect it, and seal it off. This ensures the tooth is free of bacteria and stays that way. In most cases, we’ll put a crown on top to protect it from breakage.
If you have some minor soreness following a root canal, over-the-counter pain medicines will take care of it. You’ll be able to brush, floss, and eat as normal.
What to expect from the root canal process
Prepping your tooth
We offer gentle root canals in a comfortable environment. To start the root canal process, Dr. Daniel Baker will gently clean your tooth, then numb the treatment area to make sure you don’t experience pain. Once your mouth is numb, Dr. Baker will remove the damaged parts of your tooth and make a small opening in the top of the tooth.
Cleaning out the inside
Through the tiny opening in the top of your tooth, Dr. Baker will use a variety of special instruments to clean up the interior. He’ll clean the entire tooth thoroughly to remove nasty bacteria, inflammation, and any other unhealthy material. Then, he’ll flush the tooth with a special liquid to kill any remaining bacteria. Your tooth will be squeaky-clean!
Restoring your smile
Once your tooth has been fully cleaned and disinfected, Dr. Baker will fill it up with a rubbery material called “gutta-percha.” This forms a fluid-tight seal to prevent bacteria from getting back in. Then, you’ll get a temporary filling or crown. You’ll usually come back to see us within a week or two so that Dr. Baker can make sure your tooth is healthy and fit you for a permanent porcelain crown.
Frequently asked questions about root canal therapy
What if I don’t get a root canal?
If you don’t get a root canal and you need one due to a tooth infection, you’ll eventually lose your tooth. Your infection will only get worse and continue to cause serious pain and discomfort. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other parts of your body and cause life-threatening conditions. Before it gets to that point, you’ll need to come to Dr. Baker for a tooth extraction in Hopewell.
Replacing a missing tooth is a lot more complicated and expensive compared to root canal treatment. So if you want to save time and money and avoid headaches (literally and figuratively), it’s best to come into City Point Dental for a root canal as soon as you can. The sooner you get care from Dr. Baker, the better the result will be.
How long does it take to recover after a root canal?
No time at all! You can get back to brushing, eating, smiling, and living your normal day-to-day life right after your root canal. There’s no extended downtime. Your tooth may feel a little bit sore for a few days, but you can take painkillers like ibuprofen to help with this discomfort.
If your tooth continues to hurt or the pain gets worse after a few days, get in touch with Dr. Baker and the team at City Point Dental and they will be happy to check it out!
Will my dental insurance cover root canal therapy?
The answer is usually “yes.” Root canal therapy is considered to be a medically necessary procedure, so it’s covered by most dental insurance plans. Most plans cover between 40% and 80% of the cost of your treatment, up to all applicable plan limits. Because every plan is different, you should get in touch with your insurer or check your policy documents to confirm your insurance coverage. You can also call the front desk at City Point Dental, and we’ll be happy to help you figure it out.