What you need to understand about root canal treatment: Bloomington, IL dentist explains

Root canal therapy is one of the most misunderstood dental treatments available – just say the phrase “root canal” to a friend, and you’ll probably receive a groan in reply! Although it has a notoriety for being painful, root canal therapy is a gentle procedure that gets you out of pain and assists you in return to your everyday life. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, our team of dentists believe in the power of patient education and take the time to describe your recommended treatment so you can feel confident about your path towards a healthier smile. Scroll on to learn more about root canal therapy and what to expect.

When is root canal therapy needed?

Root canal treatment is a tooth-saving therapy that your dentist may recommend for a variety of scenarios in which your tooth would otherwise need to be removed, such as:

• Infection within the pulp of a tooth
• Deep cavities or cracks in the tooth that have enabled bacteria to infiltrate
• Loose or lost dental restorations that have left the tooth susceptible to infection
• New or old dental trauma

Is root canal treatment painful?

One of the biggest myths about root canal treatment is that it is excruciatingly painful. However, with modern dental anesthetics and a gentle touch, patients find that root canal treatments are more comfortable then anticipated and helps eliminate the discomfort from the infected and inflamed tooth.

How is a root canal performed?

Root canal therapy is done in multiple steps that we perform with care and precision. Single rooted teeth are oftentimes performed in our office while teeth like molars with more complex and multiple roots are performed by the endodontist. An endodontist is a root canal specialist.

• First, the tooth is numbed so the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
• The dentist reaches the inner portion of the tooth by preparing a small access in it and then uses specialized instruments to clean out infected tissues from the inner pulp chamber and root canal.
• The tooth is sanitized and filled with a rubber-like material. A temporary material will likely be placed in the tooth to allow for it to heal.
• After the tooth has healed a natural-looking dental restoration, such as a tooth-colored filling or dental crown, is placed on the tooth to seal and protect it from further damage.

We are always happy to answer your questions about any dental treatment we provide at Eastland Dental Center. To schedule your consultation, call our Bloomington, IL office today at (309) 663-4711.