Root Canal Q&A

If you experience tooth pain, discoloration, or gum swelling, you may need a root canal procedure. The expert dental team at Albemarle Dental Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, is highly trained in root canals that restore damaged or decaying teeth. If you suspect you need a root canal, call the Albemarle Dental Associates office or schedule a same-day appointment online today.


What is a root canal?

A root canal is a common tooth restoration procedure, one that’s performed well over 14 million times in the United States in a given year. Your dentist removes decay and infection from the inside of your tooth and its pulp and restores the tooth to reduce the risk of permanent tooth loss. 

Ronald Spillers, DDS, has many years of experience in endodontics and completing root canal procedures.

What are signs I might need a root canal?

Your Albemarle Dental Associates dentist lets you know if you need a root canal after carefully examining your teeth and gums. Common signs that you may need one include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Gum swelling
  • Pus in the gumline
  • Discoloration
  • Deep cracks
  • Temperature sensitivity
  • Tenderness

At the first sign of tooth trauma, decay, or infection, see the Albemarle Dental Associates team for an evaluation. 

What happens during a root canal?

When you arrive at Albemarle Dental Associates, friendly staff members greet you and use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to find out if you need a root canal. Your dentist also reviews your oral health history and symptoms and evaluates your teeth and gums.

The practice offers same-day reconstruction of root-canal-treated teeth. They use a dental microscope to complete root canals. 

Your dentist numbs the treatment area and offers you nitrous oxide as needed for pain management and anxiety relief. They open the top part of an affected tooth and remove decay and infection from inside it.

Your dentist cleans the pulp chamber and fills it with dental materials to restore and strengthen your tooth. They seal it closed and often place a dental crown, or cap, over the tooth to protect it.

What should I expect after my root canal?

After getting a root canal, you can drive yourself home. Your treated tooth might feel a little bit tender for a day or two. Take over-the-counter medicine to enhance your comfort as needed. Practice good at-home oral hygiene to prevent future problems.

Brush your teeth after meals, floss every day, and see Albemarle Dental Associates every six months for professional dental cleanings and exams. Avoid chewing on ice and other hard objects, and don’t open packages with your teeth.

If you suspect you need a root canal because of tooth pain, call the Albemarle Dental Associates office to schedule a same-day appointment or request one online today.