Root Canal Treatment in Owings Mills, MD

Root Canal Treatments: An Overview

Do you have an injured, broken, or impaired tooth? When a tooth becomes damaged, if care is not taken, bacteria can collect in the pulp, causing infection and root canal pain.

Treatment options for damaged teeth include installing dental implants, bridges, removable partial dentures, or repairing the tooth. You and your dentist may choose a root canal procedure to repair the tooth. It can be used in place of extraction, saving your tooth—and your smile—for years to come.

An endodontist can perform the root canal treatment to protect your impaired tooth. Endodontics expert Dr. Jon Silverman, D.D.S., provides care for people with damaged teeth in his Owings Mills, MD, office. He performs root canal procedures whenever possible to maintain the integrity of a patient’s mouth.



In previous years, many people experienced considerable pain during and after endodontic treatments. However, many advances in techniques, materials, and local anesthetics have made root canal treatments easier and more effective. Now, these treatments may cause no more discomfort than that from receiving a dental filling.

To begin the endodontic procedure, Dr. Silverman will take x-rays to assess the damage to your tooth. He will then numb the area and apply a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the root canal process.

Next, he will remove the decay from the afflicted tooth. The endodontics treatment continues with making a tiny hole in the tooth and removing the tooth’s diseased soft center, the dental pulp. Once the diseased portion is removed, Dr. Silverman will clean out the empty canal. In some cases, such as in a molar, more than one canal is affected. 

Sometimes the tooth opening requires reshaping for a better filling fit. After the area is cleaned and reshaped, Dr. Silverman will dry the canal. He may use medication to control infection. He will then fill the canal with biocompatible material to prevent future decay. Next, the tooth will be sealed.

To strengthen the treated tooth, endodontics specialists often recommend the placement of a dental crown after a root canal procedure. The crown, which is actually a protective covering, is fitted over the damaged tooth. With care, the placement of a crown can ensure that the tooth will support neighboring teeth, protect against the pressures of chewing, and preserve your long-term oral health.

After the Root Canal

Sometimes simply removing the damaged pulp will provide immediate relief of any discomfort. However, the tooth may be sensitive for a few days following the procedure. If pain is felt, it can usually be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. If the pain lasts longer, please be sure to contact Dr. Silverman at his Owings Mills, MD, office. 

Endodontic treatments normally require one or two visits to our office, depending on the complexity of your case and whether a dental crown is required. Properly taken care of, a restored tooth can last throughout a patient’s life.

Dr. Silverman’s dental office, the Maryland Center for Complete Dentistry, is conveniently located at 23 Crossroads Drive, Suite 420, in Owings Mills, MD 21117. Call (410) 356-8400 now to schedule an appointment.