Root Canal Specialist in Elmhurst

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy (RCT), also known as endodontic therapy, is a treatment that helps save the healthy parts of a tooth while eliminating the bacteria and unhealthy tissue of an infected tooth. Certainly not popular and a little intimidating, the advancements of technology and medical procedures have greatly improved the way root canal therapy is performed. The advances have drastically increased the overall effectiveness of RCT’s and have helped make them one of the most effective treatments to save a damaged or diseased tooth.

When is a Root Canal Needed?

An RCT becomes necessary when the tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, or dies. The pulp (nerve) inside your teeth is soft and contains numerous nerve cells, connective tissue, and blood vessels so any type of infection reaching the inside of the tooth will require immediate attention. If left untreated, the inflammation or infection will progress into more severe problems, such as bone loss or tooth loss.

When the damaged pulp begins to break down and bacteria multiplies inside your tooth, there begins the risk for potential tooth loss. Once this happens immediate treatment is required. To help save the healthy parts of your tooth, the dentist will remove the infected parts of the tooth, clean and disinfect healthy parts of your tooth, and place a filling to prevent further infection or pain. Removing the infected part and saving the healthy parts of your tooth is the best way to preserve the structure and health of your mouth.

Signs of a diseased tooth include severe tooth pain, heat and swelling in the gums, and increased sensitivity. It is also common for an infected or abscessed tooth to not hurt at all. Infection in the dental pulp is commonly caused by untreated cavities, invisible chips or cracks in a tooth, or a tooth injury. If you are experiencing any of these signs, call us to set up an evaluation today.

What to expect with a Root Canal treatment

Root canal therapy is the most effective procedure to preserve the natural tooth. In the past, infected teeth and an inflamed dental pulp would require the entire tooth to be removed. However, with root canal therapy, the infection in the tooth is removed which restores the strength of the tooth allowing it to function properly. Another benefit of the treatment is complete relief of the associated pain and inflammation from infection.

A completed root call also helps restore the ability to bite down with normal force, chew, and maintain regular activities without worry. You help protect the long-term health of your mouth by receiving a root canal treatment early. Even if you are not experiencing the normal symptoms, a regular dental evaluation could not only help detect an infection early but also prevent tooth loss or the spread of infection to other teeth or possible jawbone degeneration.

Unlike other dental procedures, root canal therapy is a comfortable and virtually painless procedure. At Happy Tooth we utilize modern endodontic techniques and use equipment to help minimize pain and discomfort. While you will feel pressure and movement during the procedure, we do everything possible to ensure you feel no pain.

It is also important to understand that most teeth following root canal therapy need to have a crown placed after the procedure. This crown is placed for two reasons. One, after root canal therapy the tooth loses its blood supply, becoming brittle and more likely to break.

Healing & Recovery From Receiving A Root Canal

For the first few days following the procedure, you may experience tooth sensitivity due to inflammation of the tissues as it heals. In some extreme cases, it can take several visits to fully remove the infected or injured tissue with a root canal treatment. Some patients recover from a procedure in a few days while others may need a couple weeks for complete recovery. Always be sure that if discomfort is not managed with over the counter medication both Doctors Maggie Augustyn and Amrik Singh are just a phone call away.

Any pain or discomfort you experience commonly subsides after 2-5 day, but it can take up to two weeks to fully heal. We will work with you for a post-treatment recovery and pain management solution to help with any pain or discomfort that you may experience.