Root canals relieve pain and don’t cause them … and more tooth truths!
Your teeth are naturally strong, stronger than skeletal bone! However, the protective enamel that covers our teeth is not indestructible. And, when damaged, the enamel can allow all sorts of bad stuff to seep through. Eventually, that damage can reach the innermost tooth structure (the pulp). The good news is our team at Brighton Park Dental in southwest Chicago, Illinois, can reverse the effects of even some of the most seriously damaged teeth. With root canal treatment, we can keep your complete smile intact! We restore and preserve the damaged tooth and prevent the need for it to be removed with a procedure called dental extraction.
How does root canal treatment resolve such deep damage?
The “root” refers to the innermost portion of each tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and soft pulp tissue. The inflamed or infected pulp tissue is removed to bring the tooth back to health, function, and an attractive appearance. The area is then cleaned or sterilized, and the root canals extending into the jaw are reshaped. Then, the treated site is filled with a special gutta-percha material to protect and prevent reinfection. The finishing touch is the application of a temporary dental crown, which protects the treated tooth and encourages healing. We usually recommend that the placement of a permanent dental crown follow root canal therapy.
Why do I need a dental crown afterward?
It is important to place a crown promptly. While therapy itself has a very high success rate (exceeding 97%), the tooth that is treated may be in a weakened state. By placing a strong, durable, and highly aesthetic crown on top of the treated tooth, we minimize the risk of root canal failure and support the long-term health and function of the tooth. With good brushing and flossing at home and regular visits to our office for professional cleanings and exams, your teeth should need no further treatment. You keep your smile intact and avoid the many serious consequences of tooth loss.
How does root canal treatment feel?
Many of our patients at Brighton Park Dental express regret that they didn’t turn to us for treatment sooner. By opening the tooth and removing the source of inflammation and infection, we immediately relieve the pressure and intense discomfort associated with deep decay and severe internal damage. The treatment itself eases that pain and doesn’t contribute to it further. Drs Aroon Pal, Nilay Patel, and Taylor Jemilo also use advanced technologies and gentle techniques at every step in treatment. In part, a precision local anesthetic is administered to numb the area. So, you won’t feel any uncomfortable sensations during treatment. You finally get some relief from what could be days, weeks, or even months of discomfort brought on by progressive disease. If you remain anxious, our team is happy to explore sedative “helpers” to accompany your treatment, too.
What if my tooth can’t be saved?
No treatment is 100% appropriate for all patients. If your tooth is not a good candidate for root canal therapy or fails to heal properly after treatment, we will need to extract it. We will then discuss options such as bridges and implants to replace the missing tooth and keep your smile intact. If it has been over six months since you visited us or you are bothered by unexplained pain, swelling, and other concerns, we encourage you to schedule an appointment today by calling (773) 801-5171.
