Root Canal Therapy

You may never have considered a root canal to be a conservative therapy. However, when you weight the only alternative – tooth extraction – you may gain a new perspective. An intense toothache may also motivate you to seek out any solution that will bring relief. Today, root canals are more precise, fast, and comfortable than ever. Dr. Greenbaum may recommend root canal therapy when a tooth is internally damaged and/or infected.

Within each of your teeth, a small canal protects sensitive pulp, also known as a tooth’s nerve. A significant cavity, fracture, or injury can compromise the safe shelter and allow bacteria to enter the pulp. As a result, infection can set in, causing pressure and a severe toothache.

When a tooth’s pulp is infected, the tooth will die, and the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and body. This can mean more than a toothache. It can lead to serious health problems. The best treatment option is to remove the tooth’s infection, either by extracting the entire tooth or by extracting the pulp from within the tooth. The latter defines is root canal therapy.

Before your root canal, Dr. Greenbaum will answer all of your questions and make sure you’re comfortable. He can administer a local anesthetic with or without nitrous oxide. After removing the infection from your tooth’s canal, he’ll fill the space with a manmade substance that will allow the tooth to remain intact. To complete the procedure, Dr. Greenbaum usually places a crown atop the affected tooth. Most root canals are completed in a single office visit, so you’ll get immediate relief from your toothache!

Your Smile is Our Passion
Bethesda's Premiere Cosmetic Dentist
With oral health built on a solid foundation, you’ll enjoy a lifetime of smiles. Come experience the personalized care, quality materials, and contemporary technology that make dental visits rewarding. Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Greenbaum. Be sure to visit our Gallery and review before-and-after photos while you’re here. Bethesda Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry serves patients from Rockville, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Northern Virginia, and surrounding areas.

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