Root Canal Therapy – Wheaton, IL
Easing Your Discomfort & Preserving Your Natural Smile
Your teeth are actually composed of three distinct layers: the enamel, the dentin, and the dental pulp located at the center. The dental pulp is soft and contains the nerve of your tooth, and if it’s exposed to bacteria, it can easily become infected, leading to a very, very bad toothache. In these situations, root canal therapy can quickly stop your pain and even save the tooth from extraction. Thankfully, this procedure is not the pain-filled experienced that its reputation would lead you to believe. Most of our patients say that they felt little to no discomfort either during or after it, and they were extremely grateful for how it was able to provide immediate relief.
Why Choose Dr. Kathy Lam For Root Canal Therapy?
- Fast Dental Care
- Latest Pain-Relieving Technology
- Experienced Dentist
The Process of Getting a Root Canal
The complete root canal procedure typically takes place over the course of two appointments with your emergency dentist in Wheaton, Dr. Lam. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process:
- When a patient comes to see us with severe dental pain, Dr. Lam will start by giving them a brief exam before recommending that they receive a root canal.
- To begin, she numbs the tooth and creates a small access hole to reach the dental pulp.
- The pulp is removed, the tooth is cleaned and sanitized, and the pulp is replaced with a biologically inert filling material.
- A temporary restoration is placed, and at a follow-up appointment, the patient receives a custom-made dental crown to complete the treatment.
- Afterward, the tooth can be expected to look and function like normal for many years to come.
Symptoms of Tooth Infections
The most common symptom that our patients approach us with that indicate that they may need root canal therapy is a severe toothache. Here are a few other signs that your tooth is infected:
- Dental sensitivity
- Pain when you bite down
- Swelling or redness surrounding your affected tooth
- A pimple-like bump on your gums near your infected tooth
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office immediately. Our team will fit you in for an appointment as soon as possible so we can relieve your pain.
Benefits of Receiving Root Canal Therapy
Although it may seem tempting to put off your root canal therapy to see if the problem disappears on its own, that will likely cause you more pain and discomfort down the road. While this procedure has a bad reputation, it actually offers fantastic benefits. Some of these include:
- Be able to use your tooth without pain or discomfort.
- Cure your toothache.
- Restore the strength of your natural tooth.
- Avoid tooth extraction.
- Prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth.
- Virtually pain-free procedure.
If you have any concerns or questions about the process, don’t hesitate to ask our team. We understand how daunting hearing that you need a root canal can be, which is why we strive to help our patients feel comfortable and assured that they’re doing the best thing for their oral health.
Root Canal FAQs
Have you been told that you’re in need of a root canal? You may still have some unanswered questions about the procedure, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about root canal therapy in Wheaton. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions and schedule you for an appointment.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Recovery time differs for every patient, but many people are able to return to work or school the day after their root canal. If your job requires physical labor, try to take at least the next two or three days off, as vigorous exercise can make the healing process take longer by diverting blood from the site. Your mouth will likely be sore for a few days, so take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers as directed. Stick to softer foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth as the tooth that had the root canal. Brush and floss as normally but be gentle around the treated tooth. If pain worsens instead of fading after about three days, give us a call!
Do I Need Antibiotics Before or After My Root Canal?
Most patients do not need to take antibiotics before or after getting a root canal. You will probably only be prescribed antibiotics before a root canal if you have a health condition that increases your risk of developing an infection after a major dental procedure. We will go over your medical history with you ahead of time to determine whether or not prescribing antibiotics for you is a good idea.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent the need for another root canal is to take good care of your oral health. This includes daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use as well as regular dental checkups. You should also maintain a healthy diet by limiting sugar, eating lots of nutritious foods, and drinking plenty of water. Make sure to wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. When a tooth is chipped or cracked, bacteria have an easier time accessing the pulp, resulting in the need for a root canal.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
Dental insurance primarily covers routine care, like checkups and cleanings, that could prevent the need for root canals and other restorative treatments. However, most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost after you have paid your deductible and before you have reached your annual maximum. Root canal therapy is typically considered a major restorative procedures. This means that the cost is often covered up to 50% by insurance.