How a Root Canal Saves Your Natural Tooth and Prevents Future Problems
The words “root canal” can be a source of stress and apprehension for many. However, a root canal should heave a sigh of relief because it’s an opportunity to save your infected or damaged tooth from extraction. Stop living in pain or discomfort. Welcome to Westwyn Dental LLC for safe and effective root canals in Berwyn, Illinois. Drs. Connor Schroyer and Isabella Duarte can eliminate your suffering for good!
Do I need a root canal?
Your tooth is more than the outer protective covering. Inside each tooth is a pulp chamber containing nerves, blood vessels, and other living tissues. Unfortunately, the pulp chamber can be infiltrated by harmful bacteria because of decay, damage, or repetitive procedures.
When your tooth is infected, you’ll know it because of the following unpleasant symptoms.
- Excruciating pain, especially when biting into something
- Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen face or gums
- Abscess formation
Sometimes, you may need a root canal even without the above symptoms. This is possible when the infection is caught early during routine check-ups. A root canal relieves pain, saves your tooth, and prevents widespread infections.
The root canal process: What can I expect?
Although each patient is unique, your typical root canal treatment involves the following steps.
- Examination: The dentist will use digital X-rays to examine the shape of the canals and the extent of damage. If a root canal is needed, the dentist will discuss the procedure and answer all your questions.Â
- Anesthetics: The dentist will numb your gums with local anesthetics for a painless dental experience. The anesthetics remain effective throughout your treatment and can be adjusted to your comfort level.Â
- Teeth preparation: The doctor will create a small opening on the crown to access the pulp chamber. The access hole is made on the chewing surfaces for posterior teeth, while for anterior teeth, it’s made on the backside.Â
- Cleaning and shaping: The dentist removes the infected tissues and cleans the area properly until all the infection is gone. The canals are shaped with fine tools, creating space for the filling material.Â
- Filling: The dentist will use gutta-percha to seal your tooth against future infections. This biocompatible, rubber-like material also stabilizes your tooth to maintain its shape.
- Restoration: The dentist will restore your tooth to its original form and function by placing a dental crown. Your treated tooth looks natural and functions like other teeth.Â
Your tooth will need a few days to heal after the procedure. To ensure a smooth recovery, our team will provide detailed post-treatment instructions on pain management, oral hygiene, and diet.
How do I prevent a root canal?
Although a root canal is an effective procedure, it’s essential to prevent it in the first place. Here’s what you need to do to avoid the need for a root canal:
- Brush and floss your teeth every day
- Visit your dentist routinely for check-ups and cleanings
- Wear a customized mouthguard if you grind and clench your teeth
- Address decay and damage early
- Eat a dental-friendly diet
- Quit tobacco use
Do you need a root canal?
Imagine being able to eat food without pain or sensitivity! Your dream can become a reality with root canal therapy near Berwyn. Call (708) 797-9377 and schedule an appointment with Westwyn Dental LLC for painless root canals.
Root Canal
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.
