Root Canal Therapy
Relieving your pain and restoring your smile
At River Village Dental, we understand that root canal therapy has had quite the bad rap over the years. The good news is that dental anesthetics, technology, and sedation dentistry options have advanced in leaps and bounds, allowing for much more comfortable and anxiety-free treatments. We strive to provide you with top-tier, personalized care in a warm, relaxing environment where you feel at home. Contact our Chicago practice to get your smile back on track.
What Is the Root Canal Therapy Procedure?
Root canal treatments typically take one appointment and are much more gentle than what you may expect. We start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. We are happy to offer sedation dentistry options, when needed, to help you relax during treatment.
Once you are comfortable and relaxed, we will make a tiny opening to access and remove the diseased pulp tissues and infection, clean and disinfect the area, and then fill the root canals with a biocompatible, rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. This material will seal the root canal space to help prevent re-infection.
Following root canal therapy, the treated tooth becomes more fragile and prone to breakage, which is why we typically recommend placing a dental crown for protection. With meticulous oral hygiene practices and regular dental exams and cleanings, your treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Why Would You Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure that becomes necessary if a tooth's inner pulp is infected or inflamed, which can result from deep decay, fracture, or trauma. It relieves pain from tooth pulp damage, restoring your healthy, pain-free smile.
Signs of inflamed or infected tooth pulp requiring root canal therapy include the following:
- Intense, throbbing pain in the affected tooth that does not subside
- Sharp pain when biting or applying pressure to the affected tooth
- Visible damage, like a tooth chip or crack that exposes the inner pulp
- Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures that lingers, even after removing the stimulus
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- A bump on your gums that looks like a pimple, indicating an abscess
- Tenderness or noticeable swelling in the gums surrounding the affected tooth
If you notice any of these signs, contact River Village Dental for immediate care. The sooner you receive the care you need, the better the outcomes for your smile.
What Happens if You Neglect to Get a Root Canal Treatment You Need?
Without treatment, tooth pulp inflammation and infection can lead to complications, including pain, an abscess, bone loss around the affected tooth's root, and even tooth loss. The infection can also spread to the jawbone, neighboring teeth, and even the bloodstream, putting your health at risk.
The only alternative to a root canal treatment you need is to have the affected tooth extracted. While we offer tooth replacement solutions like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures, saving your natural teeth is always the best option whenever possible.
Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Chicago, IL
Today's root canals are nothing like those of the past. They are much quicker, more gentle, and more stress-free than ever before. Better yet, they relieve your pain rather than causing it and allow you to maintain your natural teeth. At River Village Dental, we offer personalized care with a compassionate, gentle touch, providing the best possible patient experience.
We invite you to call 312-300-7385 to schedule your appointment or book one online today.
Think great dentistry can’t feel like home?
Think again—we’re redefining the neighborhood dentist.
At River Village Dental, we strive to provide our valued patients with the highest quality care in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We work tirelessly to offer a small-town feel in the heart of Chicago, ensuring every visit is comfortable and every smile transformation is remarkable.