Why Would You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
Your canals inside the tooth need to stay isolated from the rest of the mouth. The tooth may require root canal treatment to clear out bacteria, prevent severe infections, and save the tooth when exposed to the outside air.
Conditions that can open the root canals to the outside include decay and fractures. Deep decay has a high likelihood of causing an infection inside the tooth because bacteria can also cause tooth erosion. Those bacteria need removal from the inside of the tooth because they will continue to wear away tooth matter.
A fracture in a tooth is another method that opens the canals to the outside. Sometimes, fractures happen from an accident that causes a visible break in a tooth. Other times, the damage may be very small or caused by grinding your teeth. You won’t always be able to see if you have a crack in a tooth that requires a root canal.
Whatever situation above applies to you, you should connect with one of our Southwest Endodontics offices if you have any of the following symptoms of a problem inside your tooth canals:
- Pain and sensitivity when consuming cold, hot, or sweet foods or drinks
- Visible fracture in a tooth
- Gum swelling or redness
- Pus or a pimple on the gum
- Loose tooth
- Facial swelling
The damage done inside the tooth’s canals does not reverse itself. You need treatment to feel relief from the pain in your tooth and prevent the extra pain and longer recovery required of extraction.
Comparing Endodontist Expertise vs. General Dentists
When it comes to root canal treatments, seeing an endodontist can make a significant difference. Endodontists have additional training focused specifically on treating the inner parts of teeth. This specialized training provides them with skills for managing infections deep within the tooth’s canals. At Southwest Endodontics, our endodontists bring years of experience in handling complex root canal cases, ensuring that you receive precise care that helps preserve your natural tooth.
Long-Term Tooth Preservation and Overall Health Benefits
Saving a natural tooth through a root canal helps maintain long-term dental health. A treated tooth functions like a healthy one, allowing for comfortable chewing and speaking. Keeping natural teeth in place also supports jawbone health, maintaining proper alignment and reducing the risk of future dental issues. Beyond oral health, addressing tooth infections also benefits overall health, as untreated dental infections can strain the immune system.
Signs That You Might Need a Root Canal
Sometimes, tooth pain can be tricky to pinpoint. You might find yourself wondering if you need a root canal. Besides the obvious pain, there are other signs to look out for. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, swollen gums, or even a tooth that looks darker than the others can all be red flags. Don’t worry if you’re not experiencing obvious symptoms—sometimes the need for a root canal can only be detected through an x-ray. If you’re ever in doubt, just reach out to us at Southwest Endodontics – we’re happy to evaluate your situation and guide you on the next steps.
What Does an Endodontist Do During a Root Canal
The root canal treatment process begins before the endodontist takes out any tools to work on your tooth. First, they need to take either digital radiographs of your tooth or three-dimensional images with a cone beam CT scanner. We use both of these technologies at Southwest Endodontics because they give our doctors better images and lower patient radiation exposure.
The endodontist will use the images to verify that you need a root canal. Next, they will prepare you for the procedure. Your gums and teeth in the treated area will be numb throughout the procedure so that you will feel no pain at all.
Even with the opening in your tooth that allows bacteria to get inside, it will not be enough for the endodontist to fit their tools inside. Therefore, you may hear drilling as the doctor opens the tooth just enough to allow for cleaning the interior.
With the Gentlewave process, we effectively clean out and sanitize your tooth’s canals. After cleaning, your tooth has a sealant and filling added. Follow all directions for aftercare and follow up with your dentist to get a crown, if required. Promptly protecting the tooth with a crown lowers the chances of bacteria returning inside the tooth.
How We Focus on Patient Comfort and Personalized Care
At Southwest Endodontics, we’re focused on making sure you feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way. From the moment you arrive, we create a calm environment and explain each part of the process, answering any questions to put you at ease. When it comes to managing pain, we use anesthesia options that help keep the area numb and ensure you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure. We also use gentle, precise tools to make the experience as smooth as possible, reducing any stress on the tooth and surrounding areas.
What You Can Expect After the Root Canal
After your root canal, you may have pressure or sensitivity for a few days.
Over-the-counter pain relievers help ease discomfort. You can return to work or school the same day as the procedure and eat unless the endodontist requires you to get a crown from your dentist. Until you get a crown, avoid eating on the treated side to reduce biting pressure that could damage the filling.
Once your discomfort from the procedure subsides, you should not feel any pain in the tooth. The pain relief and the chance to save a tooth make root canal treatment worthwhile.
Our Dedication to Durable Outcomes
Every root canal is more than just a procedure to us at Southwest Endodontics; it’s an investment in your long-term dental health and the preservation of your natural teeth. We take seriously our responsibility to help you maintain your teeth for as long as possible. We’ll talk about the best ways to take care of your tooth after your root canal. You can continue to have a healthy smile for many years to come by adhering to our aftercare guidelines and scheduling routine dental examinations.
Staying Informed About Your Oral Health
We believe that an informed patient is an empowered patient. That’s why we encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you might have about your dental health. Whether it’s about the root canal procedure itself, your recovery, or preventive care, we’re here to provide clear, honest answers.
Serving Orland Park, IL, Geneva, IL, and Surrounding Areas, Southwest Endodontics Can Help Your Tooth Pain with a Root Canal
If you have pain in a tooth or other common signs that you might need root canal therapy near Chicago, don’t put off scheduling a visit with us at Southwest Endodontics. Reach out to your closest location to see us for a root canal that relieves your tooth pain and saves the tooth. You can get the same great care at either of our locations in Geneva or Orland Park.