For many patients, the words “root canal” are anxiety-inducing and stressful. However, it doesn’t need to be that way! Modern root canal therapy is surprisingly efficient and comfortable. Our Orland Park root canal dentists have put together this quick overview to help familiarize you to the process.
Why Would I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is all about clearing to the core of a damaged tooth. When your tooth is so severely damaged that the dental pulp, nerves, and roots are affected, our team use root canal treatment to save much of the existing healthy tooth structure as possible.
What Is The Treatment Process Like?
The first stage of treatment allows our dentist to pinpoint the location and extent of the dental damage you’re experiencing. This information helps ensure that we don’t miss any areas of damage once we start treating the tooth.
Next, our dentist clears away any infected or damaged dental enamel and dentin. We leave healthy dentin and enamel untouched. Once we’ve drilled into the tooth, we clear away dental pulp, which contains tissues, nerves, and dental roots and nerves. Then, it’s time to sterilize, fill, and restore the remaining tooth structure.
Don’t worry! There are effective sedation and/or numbing agents available to ensure your comfort through every stage of treatment.
How Do I Get Started?
As a general rule of thumb, if you notice any sudden or unwelcome changes to your smile, it is best to reach out to your dental team for an assessment. Additionally, if you experience any of these “root canal red flags,” we encourage you to contact your dental team:
- jaw pain
- tooth discomfort/pain
- spots of brown or gray discoloration
- receding gum tissue
- hard-to-treat bad breath
If you suspect that you may need root canal therapy, our Tinley Park dental team encourages you to reach out for a consultation as soon as possible. Waiting too long can compound the damage and make it harder to treat.