It seems that no phrase in dental procedures strikes more fear into the hearts of patients than that of “root canal.”
But that doesn’t have to be the case. Modern technology and medications allow us to perform root canals with minor discomfort. In fact, keeping our patients calm and comfortable is one of our priorities at Sheehan Dental, no matter what the procedure is.
Palos Park Root Canal Procedures
Sheehan Dental has been practicing numerous dental procedures in the Palos Park and Chicagoland areas for many years. Our team is made up of some of the best and highly trained dental professionals ready to assist and correct any dental issue that comes through our doors. When it comes to root canals, there is no difference. We will welcome you into a comforting environment, thoroughly assess your condition, and make a detailed plan that you are happy with.
Palos Park Root Canal Procedures
We’d like to give you a little information about root canals on this page because we believe that the more you know about a procedure, the less scary it becomes. As always, if we don’t cover your questions here, feel free to contact us.
What is a “root canal”?
Actually, “root canal” is the name of the area that the procedure focuses on, although that phrase is commonly used to refer to the process dentists call “endodontic treatment.” The word “endodontic” comes from two Greek words that, together, give you a hint as to what the procedure entails. “Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is the Greek word for tooth. In other words, an endodontic procedure takes place inside the tooth.
In order to explain what a root canal is, it’s helpful to know a bit about how teeth are constructed. The outer, white layer of a tooth is the enamel. Under the enamel is the dentin. Dentin is a hard substance that makes up the majority of the bulk of your tooth. Inside the dentin is pulp. Pulp is a soft substance that, as the tooth is grows, “feeds” the tooth. If you think of your tooth like an apple, the enamel is the apple skin, the flesh of the apple is the dentin, and the seed of the apple – which contains everything needed to create not only the apple but also a whole new apple tree! – is the pulp.
Inside the roots of your teeth, there is a thin canal where the pulp is. This is the root canal. When you need a root canal procedure, it is this area – the canal of pulp in the root of your tooth – that will be worked on.
Why do I need a root canal?
Generally, a root canal is performed when a dentist detects that there is infection or inflammation in the pulp of the root canal.
Pulp is a soft area that is located in the middle of your tooth, and it holds the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If infected, it can lead to no feeling in your tooth. This inflammation or infection can be the cause of a variety of different factors such as a simple chip in the tooth, constant trips to the dentist that include procedures, or deep decay.
A root canal infection can be quite painful. An untreated infected root canal can cause an abscess at the base of the root. Abscesses – pockets of infection – can cause medical emergencies in some cases. In the past, a root canal infection was a sure way to lose a tooth, which can lead to other dental and general health problems. For that reason, whenever you are experiencing tooth pain, you should have your tooth investigated by a dental professional as soon as possible.
Do root canals hurt?
First of all, remember that an infection in your root canal will likely cause you considerable discomfort. A root canal treatment will relieve that pain.
That being said, Dr. Sheehan uses the most advanced techniques and medications to make you as comfortable as possible during your procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the tooth and if at any time during your procedure you begin to feel pain, you can let Dr. Sheehan know and he will do his best to make you comfortable again. Most patients report that the procedure itself was really not that painful.
For a few days after the procedure, the area around the tooth that was treated may be sore but over-the-counter painkillers and, in some case, prescription medications, will generally treat any discomfort that you have. Dr. Sheehan and his staff will be happy to discuss pain management with you before or after your procedure.
Will a root canal save my tooth?
In many cases, having a root canal will save a tooth that even a decade or two ago would have been lost. Your tooth will need a filling from where Dr. Sheehan drills in it to reach the root canal and infected areas. If the tooth was cracked or broken, or if the decay in the tooth was substantial enough that there is not very much tooth left, Dr. Sheehan may insert a tiny post into the root canal in order to hold the tooth filling in place. In the most serious of cases, if the tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant may be the next step in restoring your smile.
Endodontic Treatment in Palos Park
Root canals are a very common procedure that millions around the globe go through annually. In fact, according to the American Association of Endodontists, there are more than 15 million root canals that happen every year. There can be many misconceptions when it comes to root canals, and we want to make sure that you are informed about what exactly you will undergo.
Depending on your unique situation, a root canal could take only one trip to the dentist, but it could take a few more. Before your procedure, we will walk you through the entire process one on one, and when you are comfortable with the outline, we will set a date and start with the procedure.
X-Ray
The first step to each procedure is performing an X-ray to see if there is any sign of an infection that surrounds the bone.
No Discomfort
We will then apply anesthesia that numbs the area around the tooth so that you will not be in any discomfort.
Starting with the Procedure
After making sure the area is clean and free of saliva, we will add a sheet of rubber around the affected tooth, and then a hole will be drilled into the tooth. Pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any kind of debris is removed. After cleaning the tooth thoroughly, we seal it.
The Possibility of a Second Appointment
If the root canal cannot be completed in the first procedure, we will add a temporary filling. The next appointment, we fill the inside of the tooth with a paste and rubber compound.
Remember, we want to give you as much information about root canals on this page because we believe that the more you know about a procedure, the less scary it becomes. As always, if we don’t cover your questions here, contact us.
Palos Park Dental Root Canal Service
Each member of the community of Palos Park deserves to live in comfort, and it is something we at Sheehan Dental make a priority. Each patient we receive has a unique dental issue, and that includes root canal needs. No one patient is the same, we thoroughly examine the patient and take every measure possible to ensure the recovery of our patients and get them back feeling like themselves.
Infections and inflammations can cause serious discomfort and pose a great risk to the health of your teeth. So if you are unsure about why a tooth is hurting, come to us at Sheehan Dental, and we will do absolutely everything so that you are free of pain. Contact us today and set up an appointment!
Symptoms That You May Need A Root Canal
Constant Pain
Persistent pain in a tooth is one of the most tell-tale signs that come with the possibility of a root canal. Sometimes the pain doesn’t go away, or the pain is on and off, but it always comes back. You may feel discomfort deep in the tooth or around your jaw, but if you feel constant pain, don’t wait for it to go away, come to Sheehan Dental.
Hot and Cold
If you are sensitive to warm and or cold foods and drinks and feel an ache when consuming them, this is also a common sign of infection in the nerves or blood vessels in your teeth.
Your Tooth Feels Looser
If your tooth feels like you can move it around and that it feels looser, this can also be a very common sign that you may need a root canal.If you are experiencing any of these common symptoms, make an appointment with Sheehan Dental Today! Even if the cause is not one that needs to be corrected by a root canal, our numerous different treatments will ensure that you receive the best care in the Palos Park area! Contact us today.
Contact Sheehan Dental in Palos Park
We have been serving Palos Park for many years, and if there is one thing that we have learned, you have questions, and we have answers. Trust in us at Sheehan Dental and start the road to recovery today. For more information regarding Root Canals & Root Canal Procedures, do not hesitate to contact us today.