General Dentistry
Root Canal Therapy in Reston, VA
Relieve the pain and keep your natural tooth.
Infected pulp removed and the tooth sealed, after a precise diagnosis with digital X-rays and a 3D Cone Beam CT scan.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy in Reston, VA: remove infected pulp, relieve tooth pain and save your natural tooth, diagnosed with digital X-rays and 3D Cone Beam CT.
Save an infected tooth instead of losing it
Inside every tooth is the pulp, the soft tissue that can become diseased when a cavity goes untreated or when trauma lets bacteria in. Once that happens, root canal therapy is usually the way to save the tooth from extraction. The treatment removes the damaged or infected pulp, cleans the canals and seals the tooth, which stops the spread of infection and relieves the pain and sensitivity it causes. We understand that the words “root canal” can make people nervous, but the procedure is nothing to fear. Dr. Kiumars Karbasi uses careful techniques and modern imaging to make the process as comfortable and predictable as possible.
What happens during a root canal
- Digital X-rays and a 3D Cone Beam CT to see inside the tooth
- The area numbed to keep you comfortable
- Damaged or infected pulp removed
- The root canals cleaned, shaped and filled
- The tooth sealed to prevent future infection
More comfortable than you might expect
Many patients worry about pain, but a modern root canal is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a tooth filled. A local anesthetic numbs the tooth before we begin, and sedation dentistry is available if you feel anxious. Most patients feel relief from their tooth pain soon after treatment and leave far more relaxed than when they arrived.
Protecting the tooth afterward
After a root canal, we generally recommend capping the repaired tooth with a custom dental crown. The crown protects the treated tooth and restores its strength and appearance.
What root canal therapy does for you
- Keeps the toothYour natural tooth is saved from extraction.
- Ends the painTreatment relieves tooth pain and sensitivity.
- Stops infectionSealing the tooth stops the infection spreading.
- Restores chewingYou can bite and chew normally again.
Tooth pain that will not wait
If you are in pain, call the office and we will get you in the same day if possible. Sudden, severe pain is a dental emergency, and an early visit is easier than waiting. Costs vary from tooth to tooth, so we give you a figure after your exam and imaging, with financing options available.
The short answer
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that saves a tooth whose inner pulp has become infected or damaged, usually from an untreated cavity or trauma. After the tooth is numbed, the damaged or infected pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned, shaped and filled, and the tooth is sealed to prevent future infection. It relieves tooth pain and sensitivity, stops the spread of infection and saves the natural tooth from extraction, usually followed by a custom crown.
Root canal therapy FAQ
- Why would I need a root canal?
- You need a root canal when the pulp inside a tooth becomes diseased. This can happen when a cavity goes untreated and infection spreads to the pulp, or when trauma to the tooth allows bacteria inside. In either case, we can usually save the tooth with root canal treatment. Without it, a badly infected tooth may have to be removed.
- Are root canals painful?
- A root canal is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a tooth filled. We use a local anesthetic to make sure the tooth is numb before we begin your procedure. That way you can relax, knowing you are not going to feel discomfort during treatment. Most patients feel relief from their tooth pain soon after treatment.
- How much does a root canal cost?
- Root canal costs vary from case to case, so you will need an initial exam and imaging before we can give you a figure for your tooth. The exam shows how much treatment the tooth needs and whether a crown is recommended afterward. For your convenience, we offer several flexible payment options, including third-party financing. Our front desk team will verify your insurance benefits before treatment is scheduled.
- Will I need a crown after my root canal?
- In most cases we recommend capping a tooth with a custom crown after a root canal. The crown protects the treated tooth and restores its strength and appearance. We will explain the recommendation for your tooth during planning, before any treatment is scheduled.
- How do you diagnose the problem?
- We diagnose the problem with a thorough exam using digital X-rays and a 3D Cone Beam CT scanner. These images show the inside of your tooth in great detail, allowing for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan. We review the images with you on screen, so you see what we see. Then we explain your options before treatment begins.
- Can a root canal save my tooth from extraction?
- Yes, saving a tooth from extraction is the main purpose of a root canal. By removing the infected tissue inside the tooth, the treatment relieves pain and keeps your natural tooth in place. That helps maintain your natural smile and facial structure. If a tooth is too damaged to save, we will explain the alternatives.
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Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and helps you get the most from your coverage.
Aetna · CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield · Cigna · Delta Dental · BlueCross BlueShield FEP Dental · Guardian · MetLife
Financing through Cherry, Proceed Finance, LendingClub and HFD.