Root Canals

Eagle Falls Root Canals

Before the invention of a special procedure called root canal therapy, a tooth with a diseased nerve would most likely need to be pulled. Today, root canal therapy makes it possible to save that tooth. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure that causes little to no discomfort, can be completed in one to three visits, and can save your tooth and your smile!

What is root canal therapy for?

Your dentist uses root canal treatments to find and treat problems in the tooth’s soft core – the dental pulp.

What is the dental pulp?

The pulp is the soft tissue inside of your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in your jaw bone.

The pulp provides nutrients to the tooth. Dental pulp runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. Unless that dead pulp tissue is removed, it can become infected and lead to loss of the tooth. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed. Your dentist then places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.

How is dental pulp
damaged?

The most common causes of pulp death are cracked teeth or deep cavities. Both of these problems can allow bacteria to enter into the delicate pulp of your teeth. That bacteria can then cause an infection inside of the tooth.

Why does the pulp need to be removed?

Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth. If it isn’t removed, infected pulp can cause a variety of problems, like severe pain and swelling. In severe cases, the infection can progress to the point that the affected teeth need to be removed, eventually even doing damage to your jawbone and surrounding teeth.

What does root canal treatment involve?

Root canal treatments typically require one to three visits to complete. During treatment, your dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) will remove any diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal or canals of the tooth or teeth are then cleaned and sealed.

What Is the Process of a Root Canal Treatment?

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Most root canal procedures will follow these same basic steps:

Preparation

First, your dentist will numb the area to make the procedure more comfortable for you. This way you’ll feel little or no discomfort throughout the procedure.

Removal of Pulp

A hole is drilled in the tooth to access the root and the infected pulp is removed using special dental tools. Each root canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Filling of Tooth

The dentist will then fill the root with a rubber-like material that will completely seal the area.

Temporary Filling

A temporary filling is then placed in the tooth to help prevent any further infection as you heal.

Placement of Crown

Once satisfied that the area is free of infection, your dentist will remove the temporary filling and restore the tooth by placing a crown over the tooth. This will return your tooth to its original strength.

Recovery After a Root Canal

After your root canal treatment, your dentist will send you home with instructions on how to care for your tooth and how to manage any discomfort. For the most part, any tenderness or discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

You’ll want to avoid fully chewing or biting down on the tooth until it is completely restored with the crown. This will prevent any damage to the tooth as it heals.

You’ll want to brush and floss as normal, just taking extra care around the treated tooth. Keeping the area clean will help to prevent any infection.

If you experience any extreme pain or visible swelling, you’ll want to call your dentist as soon as possible.

Make an Appointment With Our Team

Have you been experiencing any tooth pain or swelling? Don’t delay in calling a dental professional like the team at Family Dental Care. With offices in Glen Ellyn and Campton Hills, we serve many areas of Northern Illinois and are ready to care for your entire family.

If you’ve been noticing soreness, pain, or anything else making your teeth and mouth uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. Please contact one of our offices in Glen Ellyn and Campton Hills, IL.