Root canals are narrow channels inside each tooth that contain the pulp—nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue—with one to four in each tooth.
When the inner tissue of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, or injury, the result can be significant discomfort that won’t resolve on its own. Root canal treatment in Waxhaw, NC, removes the infected tissue, eliminates the source of the pain, and saves the natural tooth from extraction.
At Carrington Square Dental, Dr. Bhrita Parikh and Dr. Aakar Chokshi approach every root canal case with precision, care, and a genuine commitment to keeping you comfortable throughout. Most patients leave wondering what they were so worried about.
Root canal infections don’t always announce themselves with dramatic pain. Some patients experience significant discomfort; others notice only subtle symptoms that are easy to dismiss. If any of the following sound familiar, it is worth having Dr. Parikh or Dr. Chokshi take a closer look:
Persistent tooth pain or a deep, throbbing pressure that doesn’t go away
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the source is removed
Swollen, tender, or discolored gums near a specific tooth
A tooth that has noticeably darkened in color
Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down
A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
Root canal therapy at Carrington Square Dental is a carefully performed, step-by-step procedure that prioritizes your comfort and the long-term health of your tooth. Treatment is typically completed in one to two visits, depending on the complexity of your case.
Dr. Parikh or Dr. Chokshi will begin by thoroughly numbing the area with local anesthesia so you feel nothing during the procedure. Sedation is also available for patients who experience dental anxiety. A small opening is then made in the top of the tooth to access the inner chamber, where the infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed. The canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected with precision to ensure no infected tissue remains.
The space is then filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals the canals and prevents reinfection. The tooth is sealed, and in most cases, a dental crown is placed after healing to restore its full strength and function.
When a tooth becomes severely infected, extraction can seem like the simpler path forward. In most cases, it is not. Saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy offers significant advantages over removal and replacement, both for your oral health and your quality of life.
This is the most common concern patients bring up, and the answer is reassuring. With modern anesthesia and the techniques used at Carrington Square Dental, root canal treatment is a comfortable procedure for the vast majority of patients. The discomfort you feel before treatment, from the infection itself, is almost always far greater than anything experienced during the procedure. Most patients describe the experience as no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling.
Most root canals at Carrington Square Dental are completed in one to two appointments. More complex cases involving severely curved canals or significant infection may require an additional visit to ensure the tooth is fully cleaned and healing properly. Dr. Parikh or Dr. Chokshi will give you a clear timeline during your initial evaluation.
In most cases, yes, particularly for the back teeth, which absorb the greatest force during chewing. A crown protects the treated tooth from fracture, restores its full function, and ensures it blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Dr. Parikh or Dr. Chokshi will let you know whether a crown is recommended for your specific tooth during your consultation.
With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, a tooth treated with root canal therapy can last for many years, often a lifetime. Attending your routine cleanings and exams at Carrington Square Dental allows us to monitor your tooth over time and address any concerns before they become larger issues.
Dental anxiety is extremely common, and our team at Carrington Square Dental takes it seriously. We offer sedation options to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout your visit. Simply let us know at the time of scheduling, and we will ensure the appropriate accommodations are in place before you arrive.
Root canal therapy is considered a restorative procedure and is at least partially covered by most PPO dental insurance plans. Our team will review your benefits and help you understand exactly what your plan covers. Flexible financing is also available through CareCredit, Sunbit, and Proceed Finance for any remaining balance.
