When might I need a root canal?
When Oak Lawn, Illinois area patients hear the phrase “root canal,” they might automatically jump to conclusions about the treatment. In talking with others and within the media, root canal therapy is often associated with pain and discomfort when in fact, the procedure itself is meant to relieve the patient of these issues, not cause them. Root canal therapy is a specialized procedure performed by the team at Eco-Friendly Dentistry to remove the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth, fill it, and cover it with a dental crown to save the tooth from requiring extraction and replacement using implants, bridges, or dentures.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
When might I need a root canal?
A root canal may be necessary if you have an adult tooth that is severely decayed or infected. This procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth and sealing it to protect it from further decay. Root canals are usually performed by dentists or endodontists (specialists who treat conditions that affect the inside of a tooth).
Signs that you might need a root canal include:
- Severe tooth pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
- Sensitivity to either hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed
- Tooth discoloration
- Tenderness or swelling of the gums around the affected tooth (signs of a tooth infection)
If you experience any of the symptoms above, it may be time to book an appointment at Eco-Friendly Dentistry for an evaluation to get a proper diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options.
Request an appointment with the team at Eco-Friendly Dentistry to learn more about endodontic therapy
If you live in or around the Oak Lawn, IL area and are ready to speak to a provider about addressing problems within the smile, do not hesitate to contact our team by calling 773-429-1400. Our facility is open to new and returning patients and is conveniently located at 4934 W 95th Street . With the care of Dr. Ahmed Mataria and Dr. Suh you can receive the dental care you need to bring your smile back to health! In many situations, an emergency root canal can save a decayed and infected tooth.