Many patients at our Bloomington office are pleasantly surprised when they discover that root canal therapy is precise, predictable, and usually a very comfortable procedure.

Why root canal therapy is needed

Each tooth is a living part of your body, complete with nerves, tiny blood vessels, and other fragile soft tissue. In a heathy tooth, these soft tissues are protected by a thick layer of dentin and an ultra-hard outer layer of enamel. When a tooth is compromised by decay, disease, or trauma this natural protection fails.

  • Bacteria can enter the tooth through deep cavities or fractures
  • Infection and inflammation may create painful pressure inside of the tooth
  • The injured nerve will not recover; tooth extraction or root canal therapy are the only ways to stop the pain
  • Without treatment, the infection can spread causing abscesses and other oral health problems
  • Infection can spread throughout the entire body – in fact, medical research shows that up to 50 percent or more of heart attacks are triggered by an abscessed tooth infection!

What is root canal therapy?

The medical name for this procedure is endodontic therapy. The process begins with numbing the tooth, ensuring your comfort. Next, the dentist creates a small opening in the tooth, and cleans diseased tissues from the tiny inner chambers and canals using specialized tools. The tooth is then disinfected, filled, and topped with a filling or crown. This treatment may take one to three appointments.

Call Eastland Dental Center at (309) 663-4711 to schedule an examination.

Eastland Dental Center

Eastland Dental Center is owned and operated by the father-daughter duo, Dr. Mike Milligan and Dr. Marisa Milligan.

Dr. Mike completed his doctor of dental medicine degree from Southern Illinois University in 1978. Dr. Marisa completed her doctor of dental medicine degree from Midwestern University in 2015. Both doctors have logged hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay on top of the latest technologies in dentistry as well as the most current research on the oral-systemic, mouth-body connection to benefit their patients. Dr. Mike and Dr. Marisa are active members and in excellent standing with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, McLean County Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, and numerous other societies.

Both doctors are avid golfers and have won several national golf tournaments over the years. They are the only father-daughter team in the state to have won the Illinois State Amateur Golf Championship. Dr. Mike in 1974 and Dr. Marisa in 2005.