Root Canal Therapy in the Richmond Area

If your tooth hurts due to infection or sensitivity, a root canal may be the best way to save your natural tooth and restore oral health. At East Coast Endodontics, our experienced endodontists use advanced technology- including GentleWave® cleaning and CBCT 3D imaging — to make your root canal procedure as precise, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.

Do I Need A Root Canal?

You may need root canal therapy if you experience:

• Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums
• Tooth discoloration
• A pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth

Even if your pain comes and goes, don’t ignore it — Tooth infections do not go away on their own and may worsen over time.

What to Expect During the Root Canal Procedure

We know the unknown can feel intimidating, so here’s a step-by-step look at what happens during a root canal at East Coast Endodontics:

1. Diagnosis & Imaging
   We take digital X-rays and CBCT scans to see the full 3D structure of your tooth. This allows us to detect infection, hidden canals, or cracks that standard X-rays might miss.
2. Comfort & Anesthesia
   Your comfort is our priority. We fully numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthetic. For anxious patients, we also offer sedation options to ensure you feel calm and relaxed.
3. Access & Pulp Removal
   A tiny opening is created in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Using high-powered surgical microscopes, our endodontists carefully remove the inflamed or infected pulp tissue.
4. GentleWave® Ultracleaning
   Unlike traditional root canals, we use GentleWave® technology. This system uses sound waves and fluids to clean even the microscopic spaces in your canals, eliminating bacteria more thoroughly while preserving healthy tooth structure.
5. Shaping, Sealing & Filling
   Once cleaned, the canals are shaped and filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to seal the tooth against reinfection. A temporary filling is placed to protect your tooth until your dentist provides the final restoration.
6. Restoration
   After healing, you’ll return to your general dentist for a crown or permanent filling. This step is important because it restores the tooth’s strength and function long-term.

Most procedures take 60–90 minutes and are often completed in one visit.

Technology That Improves Your Root Canal Experience

At East Coast Endodontics, we invest in technology that makes your care safer, more comfortable, and more successful:

• CBCT 3D Imaging – Provides a full 3D view of your tooth’s anatomy, allowing us to see cracks, extra canals, or infections that 2D X-rays might miss.
• Surgical Microscopes – Magnify the tooth for precise, minimally invasive treatment.
• GentleWave® System – Reaches and cleans microscopic spaces that standard instruments cannot, leading to better long-term success and fewer retreatments.
• Sedation Options – Available at our Short Pump office for patients who experience dental anxiety or need extra support during treatment.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy at East Coast Endodontics

• Pain relief — quick relief from infection-related toothaches
• Tooth preservation — saves your natural tooth and avoids extraction
• Advanced technology — CBCT imaging, GentleWave cleaning, microscopes
• Comfort-first approach — local anesthesia + sedation options
• High success rates — thorough cleaning and sealing ensure long-term results

Why Choose East Coast Endodontics?

• Trusted endodontic experts serving Richmond and surrounding areas
• Experienced endodontists skilled in both routine and complex cases
• State-of-the-art technology that improves outcomes and comfort
• Convenient locations in Mechanicsville, Short Pump, and Midlothian
• Clear communication with your dentist for comprehensive care