Root Canal Therapy in Washington, D.C.

If detected early on, tooth decay can be treated with a dental filling or a similar procedure to clean the enamel and seal the area. However, if the decay spreads past the enamel and infects the inner pulp of the tooth, you will likely need a root canal. Often called an endodontic treatment, root canal therapy at Ingber Dental removes the damaged pulp from the tooth, sanitizes the cavity, and then uses a filling material to seal the tooth. Dr. Kenneth Ingber and his team of dental professionals recommend root canal therapy to Washington, D.C. individuals because it not only treats the infected tooth, it prevents the decay from moving to other teeth (creating a larger issue).

If you believe you need to have a root canal, we understand if you have reservations about the procedure. A root canal is a very common dental therapy, yet many people avoid going to see a dentist for a toothache because of common dental fears. Our dental team makes every effort to help you feel at ease and relaxed naturally, but we also offer a number of sedation options for any anxiety. Contact Ingber Dental to set up a consultation to learn more about sedation options and root canal therapy.

An infection in the pulp of a tooth may be caused by a cavity, a deep crack in the tooth, or a physical trauma. The most obvious signs that you could have an infection are tooth or jaw pain, swelling or discoloration of the gums around the tooth, and changes in the color of the tooth. If the infection is not addressed, the infection will spread, causing increased pain. Schedule an appointment at Ingber Dental right away if you feel or notice something abnormal in your mouth. If you have fears or reservations about visiting the dentist, please ask us about sedation options to keep you calm and comfortable during your dental appointments.

Before the procedure, you will discuss your sedation and/or anesthetic options. We do not want you to feel anxious, nervous, or fearful while you are at our office. Some patients ask for nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) or oral-conscious sedation for a root canal. Our team is very sympathetic about dental fear and will help you make the necessary decision about your sedation needs.

During an endodontic procedure, the inner chamber of your tooth will be assessed and the decayed pulp will be extracted. Afterward, the inside of the empty chamber will be carefully sterilized to remove any leftover debris. To finalize the therapy, the tooth will be filled with a special material to seal and protect it.

Depending on the type of sedation that was used, you may need to have a responsible adult take you home after your root canal. Your mouth may feel sensitive or swollen, but these are normal symptoms and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. We recommend that you set up a follow-up six months after your root canal. We will check to make sure the infection has been eradicated and that your mouth has healed. After that, you should continue to schedule annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings to maintain your dental health.

At your consultation, we will give you cost estimates so your treatment fits both your needs and budget. If you currently carry dental insurance, we can call your carrier to determine your coverage. If you do not have dental insurance, Ingber Dental accepts several payment methods and may be able to help you find low-interest medical financing.

Thanks to advancements in the dental industry, root canals can be a fast, easy procedure to treat an infected tooth. Along with different levels of sedation, your root canal at Ingber Dental can be comfortable and save you from tooth pain or more invasive procedures. Contact our staff in Washington, D.C. to schedule a consultation for more information on root canal therapy and other ways to improve your dental health.