Root Canal Therapy

When a tooth becomes compromised by decay, trauma, or other means, it becomes susceptible to infection. If this infection reaches the soft, tender pulp in the center of the tooth that houses the roots, it may cause extreme discomfort and develop an abscess.

Abscesses can be very painful and cause swelling and tenderness in the area around the infected tooth. Oftentimes, the only treatment options for an abscessed tooth are extraction or root canal therapy at dental offices like Gallery Park Dental.

Glenview dentists Dr. Gripentrog and Dr. Rogers prefer to save your teeth whenever possible. For restorable teeth with an infected nerve, a root canal is often the recommended treatment.

Root canal therapy with Gallery Park Dental consists of removing the decayed part of the tooth and opening a channel into the pulp. We use a series of thin metal files to carefully remove the tooth's pulp and the nerves within, cleaning the canals within the tooth.

After the infected pulp is removed, the canals are sterilized and filled with gutta-percha. This is a rubber-like substance that melts at a low temperature, allowing us to completely fill the sterilized canals and help prevent future recurrences of the infection.

You will receive a local anesthetic before any root canal to alleviate any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Root canals are a safe and effective way of saving a tooth when the nerve has been compromised by infection.

Root canal therapy with Gallery Park Dental consists of removing the decayed part of the tooth and opening a channel into the pulp. We use a series of thin metal files to carefully remove the tooth's pulp and the nerves within, cleaning the canals within the tooth.

After the infected pulp is removed, the canals are sterilized and filled with gutta-percha. This is a rubber-like substance that melts at a low temperature, allowing us to completely fill the sterilized canals and help prevent future recurrences of the infection.

You will receive a local anesthetic before any root canal to alleviate any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Root canals are a safe and effective way of saving a tooth when the nerve has been compromised by infection.

Once a root canal has been performed, we recommend getting a crown on the affected tooth. Usually, by the time a root canal is necessary, the decay is too extensive to restore using a simple filling.

After a root canal has been completed the remaining tooth is more susceptible to fracture, and a dental crown is often recommended.

Most patients will experience immediate relief from the pain of their abscess after a root canal. Some tenderness around the affected tooth is normal for the first few days and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen.

If you're experiencing extreme pain or swelling after a root canal, you should contact our Glenview dental office immediately for a follow-up appointment.

If you're experiencing the symptoms of an abscessed tooth or believe you may need a root canal, call our Glenview, IL dentist's office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.