Root Canal
Do you have acute tooth pain? You might need root canal treatment. A root canal infection won’t go away on its own. Eventually, it can require extensive dental work and cause serious problems.
If you need emergency care now, day or night, call Fairfax Family Dental Care in Fairfax, VA.
Emergency Dental Care
Our Fairfax dental office offers around-the-clock emergency dental care. If you need a root canal on a weekend or in the middle of the night, you can receive same-day emergency care at our state-of-the-art facility. We always have a dentist on call and standing by to treat patients.
Root Canal Treatment: The Basics
Root canal therapy is a procedure within the field of endodontics, meaning it focuses on the soft tissues within the tooth. The procedure completely removes the soft tissue inside the root canals (the center of the tooth roots).
By removing all the pulp and bacteria in the root canals, your dentist can eliminate pain, infection, and abscesses. Our dentists at Fairfax Family Dental Care use root canal therapy to deliver long-term relief and avoid the need for extraction. Our highly trained dentists use the latest technology to perform this endodontic procedure quickly and gently.
In Pain Now? Get Relief! We Are Here Whenever You Need Us
Fairfax Family Dental Care is dedicated to providing top-tier treatments whenever people need them. Drs. Milan Simanek, Touraj Kamali, and Charles D. Kirksey are highly trained and belong to prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, the American Orthodontic Society, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Our years of experience, compassionate care, and advanced technology allow us to provide root canal treatment right away, without having to refer you to an endodontist. Request an appointment now.
(703) 385-0303
“They were super professional.” Giving Patients a Positive Experience
Denise
Fairfax, VA
2024
Dr Kamali was so kind to me and explained everything that was going to happen to put my mind at ease. His assistant is such a caring person. The front desk assistants were so very patient and understanding. I love how modern and clean everything is.
View on GoogleKeishia Jackson
Fairfax, VA
2024
Had to go in for an urgent issue and could not get an appointment with my normal dentist. They were super professional and worked to make me very comfortable. I am very pleased with them and am switching over. Much appreciation to Dr. Kamali and the dental team.
View on GoogleDon't Ignore Early Symptoms
Not every root canal infection starts with an excruciating toothache, which often signals bacteria have reached the pulp (soft inner tissue) of a tooth. Instead, you may first notice subtle signs that something is wrong. It's best not to ignore these early symptoms. Signs that you may need a root canal procedure include:
- Toothache — mild or acute
- Unexplained tooth sensitivity
- Discoloration in a tooth
- Swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- A pimple on the gums
More than 15 million teeth are saved each year with root canal therapy.
According to the American Association of Endodontists
“Highly recommend this establishment!” See Why Patients Love Us
Rik Ebbesen
Fairfax, VA
2024
We have been going to Fairfax Family Dental Care for many years. I left at one point for no good reason and came back. Love the atmosphere, the friendly conversations and the personal touch. There’s a reason why much of their staff have worked there for so long! Highly recommend this establishment and giving your family the service they deserve!!
View on GoogleTimothy Rafferty
Fairfax, VA
2024
All around GREAT Dental Services… I have never had an unpleasant experience. Dr. Kamali is fantastic. Very knowledgeable and down to earth. All my dental work has been without issue. If you are looking for a new dental practice or looking to switch from your current provider, I would highly recommend Fairfax Family Dental Care. Five Stars All Around!
View on GoogleWhat You Can Expect During Your Root Canal Therapy
Our modern technology and emergency care allow us to treat root canal patients quickly and comfortably, so you don't have to spend painful hours waiting for an appointment with an endodontist. The sooner you receive treatment for a root canal, the sooner you'll feel relief.
Our gentle dentists and advanced technology make root canal treatments typically no more uncomfortable than a dental filling.
Have a Question About Root Canals?
Recovering After Root Canal Therapy
Get Plenty of Rest
Be sure to get plenty of rest after your dental procedure as your mouth will need to heal. We recommend taking a day off of school or work and waiting two to three days before exercising.
Manage Pain
In the days after your procedure, you may experience symptoms like swelling and discomfort. You can manage these symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain medication and pressing a cool compress to your jaw.
Be Mindful When Eating
You can eat a few hours after your root canal treatment, once the anesthesia wears off. For about three days, eat soft foods and chew with the side of your mouth that hasn't been treated. We also recommend avoiding hard and sticky foods that can damage your temporary crown or pull it out of place completely.
Don't Use Nicotine Products
Nicotine can inhibit the healing process by preventing blood and oxygen from reaching healing tissues. Don't smoke or use tobacco products as you heal from your root canal therapy. Ideally, you should try to quit the habit altogether.
What If I Need an Extraction?
For a root canal treatment to succeed, there needs to be enough tooth structure to support a crown and preserve the tooth. If a tooth is severely compromised, extraction may be the only solution.
Our highly trained dentists can restore your smile and your bite with a dental bridge or dental implant and implant-supported crown if extraction is necessary. Our Fairfax office is equipped with the latest implant technology, which allows us to meet a wide range of needs.
Your Restoration Options at Our Fairfax Office
After root canal therapy or a tooth extraction, you may require a restoration to make your smile strong and whole again. We can perform this process from the comfort of our Fairfax dental office, offering ease of access for our patients. Restoration options that may be considered after your root canal procedure or tooth extraction include:
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile Free Consultations for First-Time Patients
Putting off root canal therapy can cause widespread damage that requires more expensive and invasive dental work to correct. If your root canal infection progresses to the point where you need an extraction, a dental implant or bridge will be necessary to replace the tooth. Dental implants require oral surgery and lengthy healing periods and bridges require the alteration of healthy teeth around the tooth gap.
By simply opting for root canal therapy now, you can save your tooth and protect your smile. If you think you may need root canal therapy, don't wait. Contact our Fairfax, VA, dental office today to avoid more serious oral health issues and get your tooth capped by a crown. Request a consultation online or call us at:
(703) 385-0303
“Very calming environment.” 5-Star Reviews
Borr Magilicutty
Fairfax, VA
2024
Very calming environment. Professional work that turned out great
View on Googleautomart
Fairfax, VA
2024
Root Canal Therapy vs. Fillings
Minor cavities can often be addressed with simple fillings. However, when the cavity spreads and the bacteria begin to infect the nerves and blood vessels (pulp) within the tooth, a more extensive solution is required. This is where root canal therapy comes in.
Our team will use advanced X-ray technology to determine the extent of your condition. If we decide a more conservative treatment like a filling can treat your tooth, we will perform that instead of root canal therapy. We will never recommend a more invasive treatment unless you need it.
Preventing Root Canal Infections Over the Long-Term
An at-home oral hygiene routine that involves brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash as needed can keep bacteria and plaque to a minimum. This ultimately staves off cavities, infections, gum disease, and more. Try to use fluoridated products to strengthen your enamel and even reverse early signs of decay.
Attending twice-yearly checkups with our team will allow our hygienists to thoroughly clean your teeth and remove tartar that can't be removed with at-home care. Our dentists can then examine your mouth for early signs of decay to catch concerns before they become serious problems. Our goal is to prevent problems and provide the most conservative treatment possible when they do arise.
Very acidic and sugary foods and beverages erode enamel and contribute to the growth of bacteria. If you can't avoid these foods altogether, try to brush your teeth after eating them or swish water around in your mouth.
Dental trauma can leave your teeth exposed and vulnerable to bacteria. If you play contact sports or grind your teeth when you sleep, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
Root Canal Treatment FAQ
Don't you have to go to an endodontist for a root canal treatment?
No. Drs. Simanek, Kamali, and Kirksey are general dentists who can perform root canal therapy at our Fairfax, VA, dental office. Seeing us over an endodontist means undergoing treatment with dentists you're used to and receiving a continuum of care from one office.
Are root canal treatments painful?
No, root canal procedures have a bad reputation, but the truth is that they provide more pain relief than discomfort. One of our dentists will remove the infected pulp and restore the tooth with a dental crown during a root canal procedure. While an infected tooth is painful and difficult to eat with, your newly restored tooth will feel great. We also apply local anesthesia during a root canal procedure, so you shouldn't feel any discomfort.
Is it better to get an extraction than a root canal?
No, our dentists will always try to save your natural tooth whenever possible. A root canal procedure can potentially save your natural tooth structure and prevent you from needing an extraction and costly restorative dentistry treatments in the future. While your dentist will remove the tooth pulp during a root canal, the healthy outer part of the tooth remains intact and will be covered with a dental crown for added protection.
Is root canal therapy expensive?
No, root canal therapy is less expensive than treatment for a missing tooth, especially when it involves dental implants. The procedure is also usually covered by insurance, as infections in the root canal are harmful to your overall oral and physical health. Our Fairfax, VA, dental office works with most insurance companies and accepts CareCredit to cover out-of-pocket costs.
Can I wait to get root canal therapy?
We recommend coming into our Fairfax office as soon as possible when you start to have tooth pain and symptoms of a root canal infection. The longer you wait, the worse your infection will get, resulting in painful abscesses and widespread damage. Root canal infections can even lead to tooth loss if put off for too long.
“The only place where I have felt calm.” More 5-Star Reviews
Hanna Rozell
Fairfax, VA
2024
Dr. Simanek, Cindy, and Carla did a fantastic job! Definitely coming back- felt so welcomed and the office is so organized and clean. Definitely recommend.
View on GoogleGiselle Bowers
Fairfax, VA
2024
I have severe dental anxiety, and this place has helped me so much. I have never had an issue here and it’s the only place where I have felt calm and at peace with getting cleanings and anything else I need.
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