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Root Canal Therapy in Geneva, IL

The mere mention of the term, “root canal” can make most of us feel a little fearful. But root canal therapy is a common dental procedure to save an abscessed tooth.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that repairs a tooth where the nerve is dying off or has already died or a badly decayed tooth. Usually employed in the case of a pulp infection, root canal treatment may also be necessary in the case of an inflamed pulp chamber in danger of getting infected. Although feared by many people, this procedure is not painful (since it is performed under local anesthesia) and provides instant relief from acute toothaches.

Signs That You Need Root Canal Therapy

An infected or inflamed pulp is usually the result of tooth decay. Therefore, the dark hole in the tooth is the first hint that you may need a root canal. Unfortunately, there are cavities which form in hardly visible places, so there are chances you may miss them. It is why dental checks are recommended at least two times per year.

Another sign of an infected pulp is prolonged tooth sensitivity when exposed to cold, hot, and/or sweet foods and drinks. The pain refuses to go away when the external stimuli are removed. A bad taste in the mouth and bad breath may accompany the pain, which increases with time. In the last stages, the toothache becomes unbearable, possibly keeping you awake at night and pain-killers are the only ones that can alleviate your suffering. If left untreated, a decayed tooth can develop an abscess, which is an infection at the root of the tooth. If you have an abscess, the dentist will drain out the puss and will apply medication in the root canals to kill any bacteria. The gutta-percha will be applied only after there is no risk of further infection.

The Root Canal Procedure

Root canal treatment starts with an X-ray of the affected tooth in order to see the canals’ shape and disposal and determine if there is an abscess at the tooth’s root. A local anesthetic is injected into the gum to numb the area. In some cases, the nerves are already dead, so you should not experience any pain. The anesthetic is placed so that you can relax and collaborate perfectly with the dentist.

Once the area is numb, the affected tooth is isolated with a rubber dam. Using a special drill, the dentist makes a hole in the tooth and performs a pulpectomy (extracts the inflamed or infected pulp, the dead nerves, the bacteria accumulated and all the other debris trapped inside the root canals). The roots are afterward cleaned thoroughly, sterilized and filled with a biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha). Cement is used to seal the gutta-percha, and a temporary filling is used to fill the cavity. In the following visit, the dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth decay and apply a permanent filling or a crown, depending on the tooth’s health.

Benefits of a Root Canal Therapy in Geneva, IL

  • Preserves the natural tooth
  • Improves chewing
  • Ensures a normal biting force distribution
  • Prevents excessive wear on nearby teeth
  • Prevents bone loss around the affected root.
  • Preserves a good appearance

Root canal treatment saves the natural tooth and prevents an infection from spreading into the jaw, skin, neck or head. The procedure is painless and can be completed in one to three sessions, depending on the tooth’s status and availability. The dentist will consult with you and decide the best treatment option. Get over the fear of the dentist and ask for dental help from us today! Schedule an appointment and we assure you the best painless care possible.