A root canal is a dental procedure used to remove infection from inside a tooth and preserve the natural tooth structure. The treatment involves cleaning the infected pulp, disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection.
Modern root canal treatment is highly predictable and is designed to relieve pain while restoring the function of the tooth.
At Rockville Dental Arts, we provide root canal treatment for patients in Rockville and throughout Montgomery County.
📞 Call 301-424-2030
How Does a Root Canal Work?
A root canal works by removing infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to prevent reinfection. After the procedure, a dental crown is often placed to restore strength and protect the treated tooth.
Why a Root Canal May Be Needed
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, trauma, or cracks, treatment is required to eliminate the infection.
Common causes include:
• deep cavities
• cracked teeth
• repeated dental procedures
• dental trauma
• untreated tooth decay
If left untreated, infection can spread and lead to severe pain or tooth loss.
Learn more about root canal treatment in Rockville, MD.
Step-by-Step Root Canal Procedure
Modern root canal treatment typically involves several steps designed to remove infection and preserve the tooth.
1. Diagnosis and X-Ray
Your dentist evaluates the tooth using X-rays or digital imaging to determine the extent of the infection.
This helps identify:
• infected pulp tissue
• root canal anatomy
• surrounding bone health
2. Local Anesthesia
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Most patients report that a root canal feels similar to receiving a dental filling.
3. Accessing the Tooth
A small opening is created in the tooth to access the infected pulp tissue.
Specialized instruments are then used to remove the infected material.
4. Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
The root canals are carefully cleaned and shaped to remove bacteria and infected tissue.
The canals are then disinfected to eliminate remaining bacteria.
5. Filling and Sealing the Tooth
Once the canals are cleaned, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the canals and prevent reinfection.
6. Restoring the Tooth
After root canal treatment, the tooth is often restored with a dental crown to protect the tooth from fracture.
Learn more about dental crowns.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it.
Most patients experience:
• immediate relief from infection pain
• mild soreness for a few days
• normal chewing ability after healing
Advances in dental anesthesia and technology have made root canals much more comfortable than many patients expect.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Most root canal procedures can be completed in one appointment lasting about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and complexity of the infection.
Some cases may require a follow-up visit for final restoration.
Can a Tooth Last After a Root Canal?
Yes. A properly treated tooth can last many years or even decades.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits helps ensure long-term success.
Root Canal Treatment in Rockville, MD
Rockville Dental Arts provides root canal treatment and restorative dentistry for patients throughout:
• Rockville
• Bethesda
• Potomac
• Gaithersburg
• Germantown
• Montgomery County
If you are experiencing tooth pain or infection, prompt evaluation can help preserve your natural tooth.
Learn more about root canal dentist in Rockville.
Schedule a Root Canal Evaluation
If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or signs of infection, a dental examination can determine whether root canal treatment is needed.
📞 Call 301-424-2030
You can also review payment options on our insurance and financing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a dentist recommend a root canal?
A root canal is recommended when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected due to decay, cracks, or trauma.
How successful are root canals?
Root canal treatment has a very high success rate when properly performed and restored with a crown.
Is a root canal better than extracting a tooth?
Saving the natural tooth is usually the preferred option because it preserves chewing function and jawbone structure.
Can infection return after a root canal?
Reinfection is uncommon but can occur if the tooth is not properly restored or if new decay develops.