Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. Endodontic treatment, or endodontic therapy, including root canals, treats the tissue inside of the tooth. This endodontic procedure can to save your tooth and avoid an extraction, maintaining your natural smile and overall dental health. Nothing looks, feels, or works like your own natural tooth!
Sometimes an infection moves into the root of a tooth, causing severe pain and discomfort. The only way to eliminate the infection is by removing the inner pulp tissue found within the root of the tooth. This dental treatment can be used as an alternative to tooth extraction. If you want to save the structure of the tooth, then a root canal might be the best treatment. Rest assured knowing that technology has advanced over the years, making a root canal as simple as a basic dental filling.
The root canal dentist uses a drill to access the pulp tissue; then the inner infection is removed. Next, the inside area of the tooth is sealed and filled in. Often, the finishing touch is the placement of a crown to support the overall structure of the tooth.
A root canal is a treatment that saves a tooth when the soft tissue inside it, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. The infection can start from deep decay, a crack, or an injury to the tooth.
During the procedure, our dentist gently removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, and seals it to keep bacteria out.
In many cases, a crown is placed afterward to protect the tooth and restore full chewing strength. The goal is simple: relieve your pain and keep your natural tooth in place for years to come.
Only an exam and X-ray can confirm whether you need a root canal, but these are the most common warning signs to watch for:
If you notice any of these, contact our Skokie dental office so we can take a look before the problem gets worse.
Modern root canal treatment is comfortable and is often compared to getting a filling. Your tooth and the area around it are fully numbed before we begin, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Most root canals are completed in one or two visits.
After the pulp is removed and the tooth is sealed, you may have mild tenderness for a few days, which usually responds well to over the counter pain relief. Once your tooth has healed, we will often place a crown to give it lasting protection.
The treatment itself is done with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. A root canal actually relieves the pain caused by an infected tooth. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal and usually mild.
Most dental insurance plans cover a good portion of root canal treatment because it is a proven way to save a natural tooth. Our team will check your benefits and give you a clear estimate before treatment. We also work with you on payment options if you need them.
Often, yes. A tooth that has had a root canal can become more brittle over time, so a crown is placed to protect it and restore full chewing strength. Our dentist will let you know if a crown is recommended for your tooth.
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the better choice. It keeps your bite and jawbone healthy and avoids the need to replace the tooth later with an implant or bridge. We will always talk through your options with you.
Have symptoms now? Contact our Skokie office to schedule an exam, or learn more about emergency dental care if you are in pain.