Root Canals
Saving Your Natural Teeth
Treatment for root canals is the process to treat the central area of a tooth that is inflamed. In every tooth, there is a soft material made up that is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that keeps it healthy, nourished, and strong. Sometimes, as a result of the decay of the enamel surrounding the pulp, it may become infected by bacteria.
Signs of a tooth inflammation include visible swelling of the tooth, major sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth or gums.
If you are suffering from an infection of your tooth, the pulp method to cure it is to use the root canal. A root canal is the process of a dentist taking the affected tooth pulp from the tooth chamber and cleaning the canals using disinfectant solution. We’ll offer local anaesthesia or anaesthesia to ensure your comfort through the treatment.
The final step prior to when you leave the dental office is that we’ll put a temporary filling on the tooth that we treated until the restoration is fully completed. The tooth may be a bit sensitive for the first couple of days, and we’ll recommend medication to alleviate symptoms. Do not use the tooth that has been treated for eating until you’ve had your full restoration. If you notice a problem, you should notify Steele Creek Smiles immediately.
If you’re looking to save your tooth, the root canal treatment can aid. Contact us now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bajaj.
Your Trusted Dental Professional
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Vaibhav Bajaj
Dr. Vaibhav Bajaj is a dedicated and compassionate dentist who earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Tuskegee University followed by earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry. With a deep-rooted passion for dentistry, Dr. Bajaj has established himself as a trusted healthcare professional known for his empathetic and creative commitment to delivering exceptional oral care to his patients.
Dr. Bajaj journey into the world of dentistry was driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. His empathetic nature and fun personality allow him to connect with his patients on a personal level ensuring that they feel comfortable and at ease during their dental visits. He takes the time to listen to their concerns and is always willing to go the extra mile to provide the highest level of care.
Known to some as “The Dancing Dentist”, Dr. Bajaj prides himself in incorporating his love for dance, music and creativity into his practice. As a result, he attracts and connects with all ages. On any given day the music in his office ranges from the world of Disney to special requests by his patients. His social media presence has afforded him the opportunity to speak at various events and share his love for dentistry that he developed back in the 3rd grade. Dr. Bajaj has traveled the world and provided care to those who are less fortunate on numerous occasions.
Opening The Steele Creek Smiles is a dream come true that he shares with his wife Amber and daughter Alani. They are dedicated to serving the needs of the community. If you are looking for exceptional care rooted from the heart, visit The Steele Creek Smiles where we are Creating Smiles one Patient at a Time.
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Root Canals FAQs
How painful is a root canal?
Root canals are performed under local anesthesia and are generally no more painful than other routine dental procedures like wisdom teeth removal or fillings. However, as with other dental procedures, there may be some numbness, soreness, or mild discomfort for 24-48 hours after the root canal treatment as a result of tissue inflammation. For most patients, the pain of the infected tooth is significantly greater than any pain or discomfort felt post-procedure.
What are the benefits of a root canal?
Root canal or endodontic treatments are critical for rescuing, repairing, and restoring infected or abscessed teeth. If left untreated, the infected or inflamed dental pulp inside the tooth can ultimately result in wide-spread infection, tooth loss, or even loss of part of the jaw bone. Preserving the natural tooth allows you to retain a natural appearance, normal biting force and sensation, and proper chewing mechanisms. It also helps protect other teeth from excessive wear or strain and reduces the chances you’ll need more restorative dental work in the future.
How safe is a root canal procedure?
Root canal treatment is extremely safe and effective, especially when performed by a trained endodontic specialist (a dental professional who specializes in root canals). and advancements in technology, instruments, techniques, disinfectants, and pain management continue to make the treatment even more predictable and successful. Root canals are intended solely to preserve a natural tooth and prevent any reinfection and are much safer than the alternative to an infected tooth—tooth extraction.
What is the best way to recover from a root canal?
Because of the local anesthesia, your mouth will be numb for 2-4 hours following a root canal procedure, though most patients return to work or school the same day. The best way to recover from a root canal is to treat any sensitivity or discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications like naproxen or ibuprofen and to avoid eating anything until the numbness is entirely gone to prevent damaging the newly-repaired tooth without knowing it. Continue with good oral care, including brushing and flossing; attend all follow-up appointments and keep regular bi-annual cleaning and exam appointments.
What is an emergency root canal?
An emergency root canal is not necessarily much different than a scheduled or planned root canal; both result from the same cause, an inflamed or infected dental pulp inside a tooth. However, the treatment has probably become an emergency because the inflammation or infection has gone untreated for too long, and the pain is now unbearable, the tooth is severely damaged, or there is pus oozing from around the tooth. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of an infected tooth (swelling or tenderness in the gums, tooth or gum discoloration, extreme sensitivity, or severe pain when chewing), your best option is to contact a dentist right away and avoid the emergency altogether.
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