Root Canal Treatment in Leesburg, Virginia
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- Root Canal Treatment in Leesburg, Virginia
Root canal treatment at Cochran Family Dental saves infected teeth and relieves severe tooth pain. The American Association of Endodontists reports a success rate of over 95% for root canal therapy. More than 15 million root canals are performed in the United States each year.
A root canal has a reputation for being painful, but the truth is that modern root canal therapy relieves pain – it does not cause it. Dr. Brian Cochran uses advanced techniques and local anesthesia to make root canal treatment as comfortable as a routine filling. If you are dealing with a severe toothache, sensitivity to heat or cold, or swelling around a tooth, a root canal may save your tooth and end your discomfort.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal removes infected pulp tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and seals the tooth to prevent future infection.
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause intense pain and lead to an abscess if left untreated.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Common symptoms include severe or persistent toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed, darkening or discoloration of a tooth, swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth, and a recurring pimple-like bump on the gums (dental abscess). If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Cochran Family Dental promptly. Delaying treatment can allow the infection to spread and may result in the need for extraction.
The Root Canal Procedure
The entire procedure typically takes one to two appointments, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients can return to normal activities the same day.
Dr. Cochran begins by numbing the tooth and surrounding area so you feel no pain during the procedure. He creates a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Using precision instruments, he carefully removes the infected tissue, cleans and shapes the root canals, and fills them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. The opening is sealed with a temporary filling, and in most cases, a dental crown is placed at a follow-up appointment to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Are root canals painful?
Modern root canal treatment is comparable in discomfort to getting a filling. The area is fully numbed with local anesthesia, and most patients report feeling much better after the procedure because the source of their pain has been removed.
How long does a root canal take to heal?
Most patients experience mild tenderness for a few days, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Once the permanent crown is placed, your treated tooth functions just like your natural teeth.
What is the alternative to a root canal?
The only alternative to a root canal is tooth extraction. However, saving your natural tooth is almost always the preferred option. An extracted tooth will need to be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Brian Cochran, DDS
Dr. Cochran is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry and has practiced dentistry in Leesburg, VA since 2002. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Northern Virginia Dental Society, a Premier Invisalign Provider, and has completed advanced training in dental implant placement, bone grafting, and CEREC same-day restorations.
Schedule Your Root Canal Appointment
Call Cochran Family Dental at 703-771-9034 or request an appointment online. Our office is located at 1503 Dodona Terrace SE, Suite 210, Leesburg, VA 20175, conveniently located behind Wegmans in the Dodona Manor area, easily accessible from Route 7 and Route 15 with free parking.
We proudly serve patients throughout Leesburg, Ashburn, Purcellville, Potomac Falls, Lansdowne, Sterling, Hamilton, Dulles, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, and surrounding Loudoun County communities including Edwards Landing, River Creek, Raspberry Falls, and the Historic District.