Lombard Root Canal Therapy
About Modern Root Canals
Painless Care When it Counts The Most
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a process by which the diseased inner pulp of a tooth is removed to alleviate pain and prevent further decay or infection of the affected tooth. While patients with a decayed, broken, or infected tooth need a root canal, they can feel relieved knowing that this once scary sounding treatment is now pain free and will in 95% of cases protect the tooth before it decays enough to fall out.
What is a Root Canal?
Traditional science used to pull teeth that were infected, which leads often to further infection, decay, or gum disease. Now, what’s more common is that contemporary dentists will use root canal therapy that leaves patients feel anxious, in pain, or too worried to come in for treatment. But at Brett Blacher DDS, we prefer a more modern approach, where our patients are guided every step of the way to feel safe and secure through our gentle treatment process, so they can get the quality level of care they need without ever having to worry about their treatment.
Affordable Dentistry
Because Affording Your Health Deserves to be Easy
We provide the best in cosmetic and restorative dentistry with convenient financing resources. With options such as 0% interest and low monthly payments, see if you qualify by visiting the website of contacting CareCredit at (800)-677-0718.
Your Root Canal Appointment
When your tooth is prepared and numbed for a root canal, the treatment can begin. A small hole is made in the tooth to locate the cause of infection inside the soft inner pulp of the tooth. The unhealthy nerve of the tooth is then extracted to remove the cause of pain, and the area is disinfected and then sealed with a rubberlike substance to support its natural structure. Some teeth, such as the back molars, may need a dental crown to seal the area. Once root canal therapy is finished, you may return to your daily activities quickly without having to change your dental routine. If you have a toothache or think you may need a root canal, don’t hesitate to ask us about how we can help by calling 630-916-0701.
After Your Root Canal Procedure
Caring for your teeth after a root canal treatment will not require drastic changes in a regular, healthy dental hygiene routine. By brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, your teeth and gums will benefit from the preventive steps you take at home. Especially after a tooth has been sealed by a dental crown or filling, it is recommended that your teeth not be used as “tools” to bite into hard or non-food materials or be used to open containers. Should your dental crown dislodge or shift in place, or your filling become cracked or broken, our staff has the tools and experience in restorative dentistry to help ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong years after root canal therapy.
What Are The Benefits Of Root Canal Therapy?
One of the most immediate benefits of root canal therapy is that it helps patients get relief from the pain of an infected tooth. Infected teeth often cause toothaches that can be excruciating and interfere with your ability to enjoy your day-to-day life. Root canal therapy also helps preserve your tooth. Without a root canal, an infected tooth will eventually die and it will fall out or have to be extracted. If this happens, your missing tooth will need to be replaced with a dental implant, partial denture, or dental bridge. Replacing a missing tooth is much more costly than having a root canal.
How Does A Tooth Become Infected?
Teeth become infected when the enamel and dentin, which are the outermost layers of the tooth, become damaged. When this happens, the interior “pulp,” which is filled with nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected by oral bacteria, causing a tooth infection. Tooth decay is the most common cause of infected teeth. As acid wears away at your tooth and the cavity gets deeper, the pulp can become exposed to oral bacteria. However, an oral injury like a cracked or chipped tooth can also expose the pulp, and eventually cause an infection.
What Are The Signs Of An Infected Tooth?
A toothache is the most common sign of an infected tooth. If you notice a toothache that is very painful and hasn’t gone away after a day or two, an infected tooth is the most likely culprit, and you should see Dr. Blacher for a consultation right away. However, infected teeth do not always cause toothaches. Other signs and symptoms of infected teeth can include swelling and redness around the affected tooth, increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and swelling in the face and cheek. In severe cases, you may even develop a fever due to the spread of the infection. If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact us right away.
What Is The Recovery And Healing Process Like?
The process of healing and recovering from a root canal usually only takes a few days. In most cases, you will not need to take any time off of work or change your daily routine. You will likely experience some pain and tenderness in the area, and you may also feel some soreness in your jaw. Usually, over-the-counter medication will suffice to deal with your discomfort, but in some cases, Dr. Blacher may choose to provide you with prescription medication. Any pain or discomfort should be gone within 2-3 days. If you continue to feel discomfort for longer than 3 days, or any other concerning post-recovery symptoms like visible swelling or an uneven bite, you should contact Dr. Blacher for a follow-up appointment right away.
“We provide the most conservative treatments possible to fix your dental problem and provide the best long term solution for your dental health and smile.”
At Brett Blacher DDS, dentistry isn’t just about repairing teeth--it’s about improving the long term health of every patient through care that is personal to each client. We talk to each patient as a person first, understanding their specific needs and helping them achieve a level of health they never thought was possible before, so they can enjoy their smiles for years to come with a dentist they can trust.
Dr. Brett Blacher
