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Root Canal Therapy

You may be concerned if you have been advised you require root canal therapy. If so, rest assured — treating root canal issues is a standard component of dentistry that can help relieve tooth pain and increase the lifespan of your natural teeth. Patients are relieved and gratified to learn how simple and comfortable a procedure root canal therapy can be, and how it will permit you to leave our practice with a great oral health prognosis!

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

What is a root canal?

The tiny, narrow passageways that branch from a central, hollow space in your tooth (called the pulp chamber) down to the end of the tooth roots are referred to as “root canals.” The phrase is also sometimes used instead of “root canal therapy,” which is carried out to preserve your teeth if the soft tissue deep within it (known as pulp) gets severely inflamed or infected.

Why do I need root canal / rct treatment?

Because of decay or injury, tooth pulp might become severely inflamed or infected, in which case tissue is removed to save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading. Tooth pulp is not necessary in adulthood; it primarily assists tooth formation during childhood.

Is there an alternative?

While an extraction is always an alternative, it is most often preferable to preserve your natural teeth wherever and whenever possible. Root canal therapy has a very high success rate (over 90%). Saving the tooth can prevent future issues such as bite difficulties because of shifting teeth, problems chewing, and loss of jawbone volume and density.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Although root canal therapy has a bad reputation, it is unjustified. The experience is comparable to a traditional dental filling. Pain is the result of the disease, not the cure. In other words, because diseased tissue contains a lot of nerves, root canal therapy is ‘just what the doctor ordered’ to get you pain-free and back to normal.

Root canal diagram
Root Canal Procedure and Treatment Steps

Root canal therapy is a complex dental treatment in which infected tooth pulp (and, in some cases, the nerve) is removed from a tooth, and the cavity filled, or a crown placed, to prevent future discomfort and restore the tooth to full function.

Here’s what you may expect from your root canal procedure.

Your dentist will use an x-ray to assess the extent of the infection.

The next step is ensure no discomfort by numbing the region with a local anesthetic. A covering called a “rubber dam” will be applied around the tooth to keep it dry.

Next, an access hole is created to remove the damaged nerve and pulp tissue with specialized instruments.  Your dentist will, after removing the infected tissue during the same visit, seal the tooth, or place a temporary filling to protect you from any discomfort until a custom crown is ready. A rubber compound is inserted over the access hole.  The placement of this compound into the root canal where the decaying matter was extracted is known as sealing the tooth, which completes the procedure.

Sometimes, the dentist temporarily fills the tooth to protect the region while the infected matter drains away completely.

Despite its reputation, root canal therapy is one of the most appreciated services we deliver, owing to the quick pain relief that results.

Root Canal
What happens after the root canal?

Taking an extra day off from your oral health regimen is usually a good idea. Although your teeth may feel sensitive for a few days, discomfort can be frequently relieved with over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen. You’ll be told not to chew on that tooth until it has its permanent filling, which you can put in 4 to 7 days afterward. A full-coverage crown might be required depending on how badly the tooth was damaged, to begin with. We’ll talk through your choices with you.

How can I prevent having a root canal treatment in the future?

Every day, brush and floss your teeth to keep them healthy. Avoid sugary foods and acidic beverages like soda to stay disease-free. Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and inspections by a professional. If you participate in sports, get a customized mouthguard to safeguard your teeth from harm.

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Ala Dean Attar, DMD

712 Florsheim Drive, Suite #12,
Libertyville, IL 60048

1500 Waukegan Road, Suite 280,
Glenview, IL 60025

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