Root Canal Arlington, VA

Gentle Care From Ivy League-Educated Dentists

  • In-office root canal therapy, no outside referrals needed
  • Advanced instruments for efficient, comfortable care
  • CEREC® same-day crowns available when appropriate
  • Flexible hours, including early mornings and late evenings

Need a Dentist Now? Contact Our Arlington Office

Tooth pain can't wait. If you're experiencing symptoms of a root canal infection or a dental emergency of any kind, our dentists will schedule you as soon as possible. Get the care you need quickly by contacting us online or calling:

Award-Winning Dentists With Ivy League Training Why Choose Smile Designer DDS in Arlington?

Prestigious Background and Recognition

Our staff includes a member of the American Board of Periodontology and graduates of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry. Their top-quality training and commitment to professional excellence mean you can trust that your smile is in good hands.

Root Canal Treatment In-Office

Many dental practices have to refer out to a specialist when a patient needs root canal therapy. Our dentists are fully equipped to provide gentle, effective treatment right here at our Arlington, VA, dental office. Our patients don’t have to wait for a middleman to get involved to receive the care they need.

Early Hours for Your Convenience

Every Friday, our doors open promptly at 7:00 am. If you need a dentist fast, we can see you first thing in the morning. We’re also open as late as 6:00 pm on Tuesdays for after-work care. If you need a little more flexibility with scheduling, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you at our Arlington office.

Book With Dr. Daniel Han Expert Care From a Dual-Certified Specialist

Dr. Daniel Han and affiliation logos

Dr. Daniel Han is an Ivy League-educated dentist who has earned dual certification in periodontics and periodontal prosthesis. Thanks to his deep skill and this unique achievement, he’s also been recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. At Smile Designer DDS in Arlington, Dr. Han personally performs root canal therapy using:

  • Rotary instruments for faster, more precise cleaning of infected root canals
  • 3D imaging to thoroughly plan treatment and assess your healing progress
  • CEREC same-day crowns when immediate restoration is appropriate
  • Comforting amenities like noise-canceling headphones, Wi-Fi, and ceiling TVs
  • Sedation options for patients with dental anxiety or severe discomfort

Dr. Han is one of Arlington’s most trusted dental specialists. If you need urgent relief from pain, let him and our team provide the quality of care you deserve. Request an appointment today!

Concerned About Costs?

While insurance typically covers at least part of a root canal treatment, if you have high out-of-pocket costs or lack insurance, we can help. We accept flexible financing through CareCredit®. This allows you to spread the cost of dental work over several months, which makes it easier to fit into your budget. If you have questions, please let us know.

“What a great place! I was visiting from out of state when a dental emergency developed. Luckily my daughter who lives in Arlington was able to arranged for me to immediately get an appointment. There were kind, professional, efficient and thorough. I highly recommend them.”

— Pam, 5-Star Review

Signs You Have a Root Canal Infection

A root canal infection happens when bacteria reach the inner chamber of a tooth, either through untreated dental decay or trauma that results in a crack or fracture of a tooth. When bacteria reach the inner tooth, they infect the blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissue that make up the soft pulp inside.

Tooth pain is a common symptom of a root canal infection, but other symptoms can accompany or foreshadow a root canal infection. Symptoms can include:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
  • Pain while eating or putting pressure on the tooth
  • A small bump on the gums
  • A darkened tooth
  • Tender and swollen gums
When you notice these symptoms, request a consultation at our Arlington, VA, dental office for prompt attention.
root canal diagram

Are You in Pain? 
Contact Our Team ASAP

Pain doesn't have to be your new normal. A root canal is a virtually painless treatment that clears bacteria from the infected root canal, providing lasting relief and preserving your natural tooth.

Our team of board-certified and Ivy League-educated dentists has the tools and technology to safely and effectively treat infected root canals, just like an endodontist. Our compassionate staff, calming amenities, and gentle dentistry techniques can make your dental procedure as routine as a filling.

If you suspect a root canal is infected or are suffering from extreme pain, contact Smile Designer in Arlington, VA, to find relief.

Smile Designer DDS office interior
Smile Designer DDS in Arlington offers world-class dental care in a modern and relaxing environment.

“Dr. Han is the best in class Doctor who is able to handle the most complex issues you may have in your mouth, painlessly and with grace. Highly recommend!”

— Luda, 5-Star Review

How a Crown Helps After Root Canal Therapy

In many cases, a dental crown is the best way to protect a tooth from further harm after treatment for a root canal infection. In root canal therapy, the treatment area is most often larger and deeper than what could be restored with a filling. Improper coverage of the tooth can invite the risk of decay and reinfection, which could mean you'd require an extraction down the road.

A dental crown is the best choice because it offers top-to-bottom coverage. It may seem like an unnecessary additional procedure, but think of it like insurance for the continued health of your smile. By protecting the vulnerable tooth, your crown may actually save you time and money on more reparative dentistry down the line. Plus, crowns are partially or fully covered under typical dental insurance plans.

a dental crown being placed on a treated tooth

Root Canal Treatment, Step by Step

Once the infection has spread to the pulp chamber, only root canal treatment can prevent the extraction of a tooth.
Once the infection has spread to the pulp chamber, only root canal treatment can prevent the extraction of a tooth.

Consultation

The process of alleviating pain and clearing the infection from your root canal starts with a consultation with one of our Arlington dentists. Your dentist will examine your tooth to determine if a root canal procedure is necessary and advise you of the next steps in your treatment plan.

Local Anesthesia and Optional Sedation

If we proceed with the root canal treatment, we will numb the area with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and make the treatment virtually painless. Patients can also request sedation to help calm their nerves.

Accessing the Pulp

The first step of a root canal treatment is to create a path to the tooth's inner pulp chamber. Your dentist will create an opening in the tooth's chewing surface to gain access to the soft pulp in the interior.

Removing the Pulp

The pulp will be carefully removed from the tooth to clear out the infection. This includes the infected pulp, the nerves, and the blood vessels within the chamber. 

Draining the Abscess

Occasionally, an abscess is present near the tooth as well. Your dentist can drain the abscess to get rid of the infection that threatens your tooth.

Sterilizing the Root Canals

After the pulp is removed, your dentist will sterilize the interior of the tooth. This step removes any last traces of bacteria to ensure that the root canal is clear of any lingering infection.

Filling the Root Canals

After the pulp is removed, the root canal is filled with a rubber-like material to help seal it against future infections.

Placing the Crown

Typically, you'll have to wait a few weeks before your dentist places your crown to restore function and appearance. However, when it's appropriate, we can create your crown and place it on the same day as your root canal procedure using our advanced CEREC system, which allows us to design and mill your crown immediately.

Find Relief From Your Symptoms and Restore Your Quality of Life

An excruciating toothache can quickly become your main focus. You may not be able to manage eating, working, or spending time with family if you’re dealing with pain. Our Arlington dentists are here to help you feel like yourself again.

We use a light touch and conservative methods, so treatment isn’t painful and is focused only on the precise areas of the tooth that need attention. If you’re concerned about pain during the procedure, our sedation options can ensure that your experience is comfortable and stress-free. 

Let’s get you back to a state of comfort and good oral health. Book an appointment for root canal therapy in Arlington, VA, today!

 

“The front office staff was super friendly, helpful, and communicative. They are very responsive on the phone, and Dr. Han was very personable, informative, and professional. I had a great experience overall and will definitely come back here for further treatment.”

— Leandra, 5-Star Review

Can I Get a Crown on the Same Day as My Root Canal Treatment?

CEREC machine making a same-day crown

Our Arlington dentists often won't recommend a crown on the same day of your root canal treatment. Instead, waiting a few weeks to make sure everything heals properly and looks good is recommended. However, if your dentist thinks the treated tooth looks good, we can make a same-day crown and place it immediately using our in-office CEREC system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals in Arlington, VA

How do I know if I need a root canal?

The most common signs of a root canal infection are tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to heat or cold, and swollen or tender gums. You may also notice jaw stiffness or a darkening of the affected tooth. It’s best to contact a dentist when you start noticing symptoms. In many cases, all it takes to confirm an infection is an exam and X-rays.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Root canal therapy is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, and you’ll likely feel immediate pain relief after the procedure. Modern techniques, local anesthesia, and sedation options make it much more comfortable than most patients expect.

What happens if I don’t get root canal treatment?

Postponing root canal therapy can allow the infection to spread, which may result in tooth loss, the need for more extensive dental work, or even systemic health problems. If you suspect you have a tooth infection, contact a general dentist ASAP.

Do you offer emergency root canal appointments in Arlington?

Yes! We reserve time in our schedule for urgent cases. Our team can often see patients on the same day, even within hours, of an emergency call.

“Another great session--very professional, truly compassionate treatment -- always with concern for patient's welfare -- minimizes the pain --patient first.”

— Daniel, 5-Star Review

Smile Designer DDS reception area

Smile Designer DDS

The highly trained team at Smile Designer DDS includes a periodontist, a prosthodontist, an orthodontist, and a general dentist. Whatever your dental needs, we provide effective treatments using the latest technology to the community of Arlington, VA. Our dentists are affiliated with professional associations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Academy of Orthodontics
  • American Board of Periodontology
  • Virginia Dental Association
  • Northern Virginia Dental Society

To schedule an appointment contact us online or call (703) 351-7645 today.

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