A Root Canal Is Nothing To Fear

Should you save a tooth or extract it? The choice is easy with the expertise of Dr. Thao Bui-Nguyen in Manassas, VA. This experienced dentist often saves smiles with root canal therapy, a comfortable--yes, comfortable--restorative treatment which breathes new life into compromised teeth. Root canal therapy is nothing to fear but instead, tremendously helps oral health and smile longevity.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a narrow chamber running down a tooth root. Each canal (there can be up to four per tooth) contains soft pulp composed of nerves, connective tissue and tiny blood vessels. If damaged through decay, infection or trauma, the pulp becomes inflamed, causing a variety of painful dental symptoms and jeopardizing the tooth's viability.

In her Manassas, VA, office, Dr. Bui-Nguyen performs root canal therapy. Also called endodontic treatment, this restorative procedure removes the damaged dental pulp, disinfects and seals each canal and covers the tooth with a porcelain crown. In other words, you get to keep a tooth that otherwise would be lost to extraction.

Just to put your mind at ease, root canal therapy doesn't hurt. The two-visit procedure is no more complex than getting a large filling, and your dentist uses local anesthetic to numb the tooth ahead of time. Afterwards, your toothache is gone, and any residual soreness is covered by over the counter analgesics. In other words, don't be afraid if your dentist in Manasses says you need a root canal.

What tells your dentist you need root canal therapy?

A visual exam of your tooth and X-ray imaging helps Dr. Bui-Nguyen make her diagnosis and treatment plan. Symptoms are important, too, including:

• Toothache
• Sensitivity to heat and cold or pressure when you bite down
• Darkened tooth enamel
• A visible crack or deep chip
• Puffy, reddened gums
• Pimples on the gums
• Tooth mobility
• Drainage

Find out more

The American Association of Endodontists says that 15 million root canal procedures happen in the United States annually. Most succeed, preserving teeth for years. At Dr. Thao Bui-Nguyen's office in Manassas, VA, your professional team uses this restorative service to preserve oral health and function. If you worry about the health of a tooth, please contact Dr. Bui-Nguyen right away for an appointment. Phone (703) 361-3261.