Dr. Puja Ohri of Family Gentle Dental performs root canals in Fairfax Station, VA. Root canals can save teeth from needing to be completely removed. The procedure removes any infected tooth pulp so only healthy tooth structure remains. The healthy tooth is then sculpted to make room for a crown around it, and the tooth is fitted with a custom crown to complete your smile. If you have a tooth with a significant amount of decay, a root canal could save it.

Signs and symptoms

If you are having pain in a tooth, it's a sign you already have a significant amount of decay. But it is not always that obvious, so don't ignore these signs you may need a root canal:

• Tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Red, swollen gums around a tooth
• Cracked tooth
• Unexplained bad breath
• Bad taste in your mouth

Any of these symptoms could mean you have an infected tooth, so don't hesitate to call your dentist! Delaying treatment often means more involved and more expensive dental work, so save your teeth and your budget by calling at the first sign of trouble.

Root canals

When you get a root canal in Fairfax Station, VA, you will be numbed first so you don't feel any discomfort. The procedure begins with your dentist creating a tiny opening in the top of the tooth. Through this opening, your dentist uses tools to remove the infected tooth pulp and thoroughly cleans the tooth's canal system.

Once the tooth has been cleaned and only healthy tooth structure remains, your dentist may place a temporary filling. You will need to have this tooth reshaped and fitted with a crown. The tooth is sculpted down so a custom crown will fit neatly over it.

Family Gentle Dental is here for you when you have an infected tooth and need a root canal. Dr. Ohri performs root canals in Fairfax Station, VA, to save your natural teeth, keep your mouth healthy, and your smile beautiful! Contact us for an appointment at (703) 493-9000.