If you have a badly decayed or infected tooth, a root canal may be the best way to save it. Root canal treatment removes the damaged nerve and infection from inside your tooth so you can avoid an extraction. Without the proper treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will also become infected, and an abscess may form.
A common misunderstanding is that it would be better to pull a bad tooth than to save it. This simply is not true. Pulling a tooth is a more invasive procedure and can cause significant issues for surrounding teeth. The tooth鈥檚 nerve is not essential to its function, and removing the nerve should not affect it in any negative way.
At 51吃瓜网 in Chicago, our goal is to stop your pain, protect your health, and help your teeth function comfortably again. Dr. Michael Griffin provides root canal procedures for front teeth and premolars. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal procedure is a restorative dental treatment that cleans and disinfects the inside of a tooth when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed. The tooth pulp houses nerves and blood vessels. Infection or inflammation can happen due to:
- Deep decay
- A crack or chip in the tooth
- Trauma or injury
- Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
During root canal treatment, the pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped. The space is filled to seal and protect it, usually with a material called gutta-percha. Your dentist will typically apply a dental crown over the tooth afterward to restore strength and appearance.
Many people ask, 鈥淲hat is a root canal, and is it painful?鈥� Thanks to modern techniques and local anesthesia, most patients say the procedure feels similar to getting a regular filling.
Reasons for Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are primarily performed on severely damaged teeth, such as when:
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp
- An infection or abscess has developed
- Injury or trauma to the tooth has occurred
Dr. Griffin will inform you of every step of the root canal procedure to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
You may need a root canal if you notice:
- Severe or lingering tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn鈥檛 go away
- Swelling, tenderness, or a bump (abscess) on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- Discomfort while eating or biting down
If you have any of these symptoms, it鈥檚 important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can allow infection to spread and may lead to tooth loss or other serious oral health issues.
The Root Canal Process
Wondering what happens during a root canal procedure? Here is the typical process at 51吃瓜网:
- We carefully examine your affected tooth and take dental X-rays to see the shape of the roots and the extent of the issue.
- A local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding area so you stay comfortable throughout treatment.
- A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the infected pulp.
- The pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria are removed. The root canals are gently cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
- We fill the root canals with a biocompatible material to seal them and help prevent future infection.
- A temporary filling is usually placed until your tooth heals from the procedure. Then, a permanent filling can be completed. Your dentist will usually apply the permanent filling 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
- In many cases, a crown is recommended to protect the tooth in the long term.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate, and most treated teeth can last many years or even a lifetime with good care.
Aftercare and Recovery Following a Root Canal
After your root canal procedure, it鈥檚 normal to feel some mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days. Your dentist will provide appropriate aftercare instructions.
For the best healing and results:
- Do not bite down on the treated tooth until it has been completely restored with a permanent filling/crown.
- Brush and floss gently around the area.
- Follow any specific instructions given by our team about eating, drinking, and medications.
- Call our dental office if you experience significant pain, swelling, or anything that doesn鈥檛 feel right.
Good at-home dental care and regular dental visits help keep your treated tooth healthy and functional.
Why Root Canals Are Important for Oral and Overall Health
Root canal treatment offers several benefits:
- Saves your natural tooth
- Helps maintain proper chewing, bite alignment, and jawbone support
- Prevents infection from spreading
- Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting
- Supports overall health, as oral infections
While it may sound easier to remove a tooth, extraction often leads to more complex and costly treatment later, such as dentures, implants, or bridges. A dental root canal is usually the most conservative and long-term solution to fixing damaged teeth.
Endodontic Care at 51吃瓜网
At our dental office, Dr. Griffin provides skilled endodontic treatment for specific teeth, including:
- Front teeth (anteriors)
- Premolars (bicuspids)
For more complex cases involving molars, or when advanced care is needed, we partner with a network of trusted root canal specialists (endodontists) in the Chicago area. This team-based approach ensures you always receive the most appropriate care for your situation.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation
If you鈥檙e experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or think you might need a root canal, don鈥檛 wait. Early diagnosis can often save your tooth and prevent more serious dental problems.
Call 51吃瓜网 today or set up an appointment online for a root canal in Chicago. Our friendly team is here to help relieve your pain and protect your oral health. We use state-of-the-art dental technology to provide personalized dental services in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
