
May
If your tooth hurts, don’t panic. Drs. Mallory Grossman, Kelly Lincoln, and Sanam Kheirieh at Stone Ridge Family Dentistry can help you return to normal. Our endodontist and her team are all about keeping your smile healthy through preventative dental care or our gentle pediatric teeth cleaning for kids.
And when something more serious pops up, like a tooth infection? That’s where we recommend root canal therapy. You’ve probably heard plenty of unpleasant rumors, but let’s walk through what getting a root canal is like.
A root canal is a simple way to save a tooth that is infected or badly damaged. Instead of extraction, we clean the inside of your tooth and then seal everything up. This means you don’t have to get a bridge, dentures, or an implant. The goal is to keep your natural tooth in place.
The first step is numbing your tooth and making a tiny opening. The infected tissue is cleaned and replaced with a safe, rubber-like material. After that, your tooth is sealed shut. Sometimes, Drs. Grossman, Lincoln, and Kheirieh may need to add a crown to protect your tooth. It’s like patching a flat tire. Clean, fill, seal, done.
Most root canals take between 60 and 90 minutes. It’s not a quick in-and-out, but it doesn’t take all day either. Some teeth can take longer if they’ve got tricky roots or more damage. But don’t worry. Comfort is the priority. We’ll ensure you’re numbed up and relaxed during the process.
So, do root canals hurt? Not really. With today’s numbing and sedation, most people say it feels about the same as getting a cavity filled. Yes. You might feel some pressure, maybe a little soreness afterward. But full-blown pain? That’s very uncommon. We know how to keep you relaxed and the process moving along smoothly.
There are many good reasons why a root canal could make sense based on your situation. A few include:
With regular check-ins, preventative care might help you avoid the need for a root canal. But sometimes, they can be unavoidable. That’s when you need an expert who knows their stuff.
If your tooth is throbbing. Feels sensitive to hot or cold. Or, if you notice swelling, something’s not right. It could be an infection or abscess hiding below the tooth or gum line. Root canal therapy might be the best option. Don’t guess. If you feel pain, ask our team immediately for answers.
If you think you need a root canal, don’t wait. Call Stone Ridge Family Dentistry and let us get in right away—call (703) 570-1356 to book an appointment. We’re conveniently located at 24585 Stone Carver Drive, Suite 225, Aldie, VA.
Dr. Mallory Grossman is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist known for her gentle and comprehensive approach to oral health. She graduated magna cum laude from Binghamton University in 2010 and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2014. Following a comprehensive General Practice Residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Grossman developed expertise in minimally invasive, esthetic, and functional dentistry. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Northern Virginia Dental Society, and Virginia Dental Association and continually enhances her skills through ongoing education.
Dr. Kelly Lincoln is a trusted dentist who prioritizes patient-centered care for children and adults. She earned her biology degree from Boston College and her doctorate from the University of Maryland’s Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. Dedicated to continuous learning, she has completed advanced courses at the Pankey Institute. She is a member of the ADA, Academy of General Dentistry, Virginia Dental Association, Northern Virginia Dental Society, and Greater Loudoun Study Club. Honored as one of Loudoun County’s “40 Under 40,” she actively participates in community health initiatives like the Virginia Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy project.