Root Canals
Save Your Tooth with Expert Root Canal Treatment in Bloomington, IL
Endodontics, commonly known as root canal therapy, is a procedure designed to save a tooth that is infected or severely decayed. By removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth, a root canal can alleviate pain and prevent the need for extraction.
Why Root Canal Treatment May Be Necessary
- Severe Tooth Decay: When decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.
- Infection: An infection in the tooth’s pulp can cause severe pain and lead to abscess formation. Root canal treatment removes the infection and prevents it from spreading.
- Tooth Injury: A cracked or broken tooth that exposes the pulp may require a root canal to prevent infection and preserve the tooth.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, can be a sign that you need a root canal.
The Root Canal Process
- Diagnosis and Planning: We’ll start with a thorough examination and X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and plan the treatment.
- Numbing the Area: Local anesthesia will be used to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area, ensuring your comfort during the procedure.
- Cleaning the Canal: We’ll carefully remove the infected pulp from the tooth’s root canals, cleaning and disinfecting the area.
- Filling and Sealing: After cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent further infection.
- Restoring the Tooth: Finally, we’ll restore the tooth with a crown or filling to protect it and restore its function.
FAQs About Root Canals
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but with modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure.
The duration of a root canal procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case, but it typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
In many cases, a crown is recommended to protect the treated tooth and restore its full function. We’ll discuss the best option for your situation.
Preserve Your Smile with Root Canal Therapy
Don’t let an infected tooth compromise your oral health. Contact Lakewood Family Dental in Bloomington, IL, to schedule your root canal consultation and take the first step toward saving your tooth and relieving your pain.
