Root Canal Treatment
Do you have a toothache or a tooth that is suddenly very sensitive to hot or cold? You may have an infected tooth in need of a root canal.
If so, it's best to seek root canal treatment as soon as possible so you can avoid more pain and the need for tooth extraction.
At Smile Designer of Leesburg, VA, we use gentle, state-of-the-art methods to provide relief and save your tooth. You can request your root canal appointment right now.
What Is a Root Canal Infection?
A root canal infection occurs when bacteria invade the interior chamber of a tooth, which includes the root canals (the centers of the tooth roots). Teeth have a hard outer surface called enamel and a porous inner layer called dentin. In the center is the pulp cavity, which is filled with nerves and blood vessels.
If a tooth has been damaged, either by decay or an injury, an infection can enter the pulp cavity and root canals. When left untreated, the infection takes over the pulp, nerves, and blood vessels. It can also spread to other parts of the body and even be life-threatening.
Root canal therapy performed by a skilled dentist or endodontist is the only way to save the infected tooth. With root canal treatment, a dentist or endodontist can remove the infected material from the root canals and surrounding structures, relieve tooth pain, reinforce the structure of the tooth, and protect your oral health.
Are You in Pain Now?
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, you may need root canal therapy. Contact our dental office in Leesburg, VA, so our dentists can see you as soon as possible. We offer local anesthesia and sedation to make treatment virtually painless.
Our Patients Are the Priority "Went out of their way to take care of me as soon as possible."
Glenda Gibson
Leesburg, VA
2024
I have gone to Dr. Han for over ten years. He is the best dentist in the whole world. He has saved my teeth whenever possible. I wouldn't have any teeth at all if not for him. He is intelligent, kind, caring, sometimes funny, always making patients feel better and easier about their problems. His staff and assistants are top notch.
View on GoogleMegan Findlay Bailey
Leesburg, VA
2023
This is the best dental practice ever. All of the staff and the doctors are caring in addition to being extremely competent. From regular cleanings to more complicated procedures, they can be counted on for superior work with a kind and professional approach. I also had a dental emergency at one point; the team was very supportive and went out of their way to take care of me as soon as possible. Many thanks to Dr. Han, Dr. Ju, and Kim for the great work!
View on GoogleHow Root Canal Therapy Is Performed
Your dentist will open your tooth through the top to access the infected pulp in the root canals. The pulp is removed, the inside of the root canals and tooth are disinfected, and the tooth is filled to prevent reinfection. Your dentist may suggest topping your tooth with a dental crown to add an extra layer of protection. You can later return to our Leesburg, VA, dentist's office for a final appointment to have the tooth completely restored.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Better Oral Health
Without prompt treatment, the root canal infection can spread to surrounding teeth, resulting in overall bad oral health. Once a tooth is infected, you have two options: tooth extraction or root canal treatment. Our dentists can help restore your oral health and keep your tooth structure intact through root canal therapy.
Relief From Pain
Misunderstanding surrounds the root canal procedure. Many people think it will be painful, but the truth is a root canal will relieve the pain you feel from the infection. The pain of a tooth infection can sometimes be unbearable. Find immediate relief with root canal therapy.
Saves You Money
Early action can save you money in the long run. If you treat your root canal infection sooner rather than later, your tooth is less likely to have suffered severe damage and can be restored with a crown or dental filling. Waiting to treat the infection may mean you need an extraction and dental implant-supported restoration, a lengthier and more costly treatment.
Get Relief From a Tooth Infection in Just One Visit With Virtually Painless Root Canal Treatment
Do you suspect you need a root canal? If so, it's important to have your tooth examined as soon as possible. Drs. Daniel Han, Sooyeon Ahn, and Kaylin Ju at Smile Designer of Leesburg in Leesburg, VA, use high-tech digital X-rays and a gentle touch to examine your tooth. If necessary, we will use a cone-beam CT scanner to pinpoint the source of the pain and plan treatment.
We bring big-city expertise to Leesburg without the big-city prices. If your symptoms leave you unsure that you need root canal treatment, we suggest calling. We can talk about what you are experiencing and recommend the appropriate next steps for your situation.
You can ask our staff a question or request a consultation with our dentists by calling:
(703) 777-1162
"Best dental practice I have ever been to." Thanks for the Great Reviews, Leesburg
Susan Cypher
Leesburg, VA
2023
Best dental practice I have ever been to. Excellent and kind care is provided by all team members. Clean and calm office.
View on GoogleChezia Calloway
Leesburg, VA
2023
My dental experience is always wonderful at Smile Designer of Leesburg. Dr. Han and the team are friendly, knowledgeable, and caring. They take extra time and effort making sure you have a great visit.
View on GoogleYou Don't Need to Visit an Endodontist To Get Treatment for a Root Canal Infection
While endodontists do specialize in treating root canal infections, highly trained dentists who are experienced in the procedure can provide the same specialty service without the need for outside referrals. That applies to our team of dentists in Leesburg, VA. We have performed successful root canals for many patients just like you and can likely get you in for the care you need much faster than an endodontist could. Just call us at:
(703) 777-1162
Root Canal Infections Are Common And Nothing to Be Ashamed Of
Some patients who visit our Leesburg, VA, practice for root canal treatment express feelings of shame or regret, thinking the infection reflects poorly on their oral hygiene. You are not to blame, and you are not alone. More than 15 million patients are treated annually with root canal therapy, and it's estimated that more than half of the global adult population has undergone this treatment.
Your Comfort Comes First We Offer Soothing Sedation
Root canal treatment shouldn't cause pain–it puts an end to it. The procedure is relatively quick and extremely safe. Still, it's normal to feel anxious about undergoing a treatment you have likely heard some stories about over the years. Our dentists in Leesburg, VA, will soothe your concerns by explaining the procedure in detail. We can also provide sedation dentistry during treatment for assured comfort.
Though local anesthesia is more than enough to keep patients comfortable in most cases, receiving sedation can be very beneficial for those with dental anxiety, especially sensitive teeth and gums, or difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time. We will be happy to discuss your options for sedation if you think it could make your treatment a more positive experience.
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure is your first step to being pain-free when infection invades a tooth. The dentists at Smile Designer of Leesburg use advanced dental techniques to make root canal treatment comfortable and effective without having to go to an endodontist. We use digital X-rays and cone-beam CT scanners, when necessary, to carefully plan your root canal treatment.
We use high-end porcelain and zirconia to create crowns that will beautifully protect our patients' treated teeth.
We Perform Everything In-House Request a Consultation
From using advanced rotary tools and CT scanners for state-of-the-art root canal therapy to restoring your tooth with a lifelike crown, we handle all steps of your root canal procedure from the comfort of our office. Call our Leesburg, VA, dental office or contact us online to achieve a healthier smile that's free of infection:
(703) 777-1162
"They are the best!" Reviews From Our Leesburg Patients
Donna Schafer
Leesburg, VA
2023
They always do such a great job here, they are the best!
View on GoogleMichael Ricciardelli
Leesburg, VA
2023
Had a lovely teeth cleaning. The staff was warm and welcoming.
View on GoogleWe Restore Smiles With Premium Dental Crowns
After a successful root canal, your dentist will cover the tooth with a dental crown or "cap" that restores its shape and adds structural stability. Our office in Leesburg, VA, uses zirconia and porcelain to create natural-looking restorations that result in a beautiful, functional smile.
Thanks to our CEREC® design and milling system, we are able to handle every step of crown creation in-house. Your dentist will have full oversight of the design of your custom restoration, and you'll be able to provide valuable input regarding preferred shade, shape, and more.
In certain cases, we can place a permanent crown immediately after root canal therapy, but we'll take the time to ensure your smile is back in excellent condition before doing so. After all, the best results are the ones that last.
Root Canal FAQs
Can I wait to get root canal treatment?
Waiting too long to get the care you need can result in tooth loss. Unfortunately, infected pulp in a root canal will not heal on its own. The infected pulp needs to be removed and the pulp cavity must be disinfected to eliminate all traces of bacteria. Sometimes people think the root canal has healed itself because they no longer feel pain, but that just signals the nerves inside the tooth have died. The infection remains and can sometimes be seen in other symptoms such as abscesses and swelling around the gums. If it is left untreated, the infection can spread to your jaw, your blood, and throughout your body.
Will I lose my tooth?
Getting a root canal treatment as soon as possible is the best course of action and, if done in a timely fashion, can avoid further damage to the tooth and the need for a tooth extraction. Unfortunately, if the damage is too extensive, the tooth may need to be removed. If this occurs, we will likely recommend a dental implant, the only treatment that can replace your tooth roots. We can attach an implant-supported crown to keep other teeth from shifting out of place and to restore your ability to chew food normally. A dental implant will also stimulate bone growth in the jaw, keeping it strong. Our implantologist, Dr. Daniel Han, is board-certified.
Can root canal therapy be done in one sitting?
Yes. Our root canal treatments are almost always done in one office visit, so that we can quickly resolve the threat to your oral health. You may need to visit us again after your treatment if you need a crown to restore your tooth fully. Though some patients may be able to receive a same-day crown during their visit, others will need a temporary filling so we can ensure the infection is completely gone before a crown is placed.
Can root canal treatment be repeated?
Yes, root canal treatment can be repeated on a tooth multiple times before an extraction is necessary. If you've had a previous root canal treatment that didn't fully address your infection, or if the infection has returned, our dentists can perform the procedure again to clear away any lingering bacteria.
What is the difference between a cavity filling and a root canal treatment?
A cavity filling is a simpler procedure than a root canal treatment. Fillings address surface-level tooth decay. Root canal therapy addresses infection that's spread internally to the tooth's pulp.
Are root canals covered by insurance?
Yes! Root canal therapy is a medically necessary procedure, so your dental insurance provider will at least partially cover your treatment. If you have some out-of-pocket expenses left to handle after your coverage is applied, financing through CareCredit® lets you split payments over several months. We can also explore in-house financing for qualifying patients.
"Highly recommend" Reviews From Our Compassionate Patients
Melissa Singh
Leesburg, VA
2023
Always have an excellent experience! I never have to wait for my scheduled cleaning appointments, they always start on time. Finding dentists you can trust is not easy. I went to many before that I was not satisfied with. After finding Smile Designer, would now highly recommend to others.
View on GoogleCourtney Campbell
Leesburg, VA
2023
I lost a crown and chipped a tooth on Wednesday night. I arrived at dentist at opening time (8:00am) the next day to hope they can get me in soon to fix this. At 8:01 I’m in the chair being worked on. I definitely have no complaints.
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