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Root Canals Oak Park, IL

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or has become infected. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form. At One Fine Smile – Dentist in Oak Park, we can help you get rid of pain and protect your smile from further infection with root canals in Oak Park. 

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal involves removing the inner pulp of a tooth that contains the nerves. In the center of your tooth is the pulp. The pulp contains all the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth, and when the pulp becomes severely infected, it causes excruciating pain to the tooth. This is the reason that a root canal is performed. 

For the pain to go away, the dentist must remove the infected pulp. Once the pulp has been removed, and the infection has been controlled, it will help to get rid of any pain that you might be experiencing relating to this tooth. A root canal will also prevent the spread of infection to the gum tissue and bone. Root canals are done when decay has been allowed to reach the inner pulp or when trauma has occurred. 

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

A full examination by our doctors as well as one or more x-rays is needed to determine if a root canal is right for you. However, some of the most common signs you’d need a root canal done include: 

  • Decay has reached the inner pulp of the tooth 
  • Trauma has occurred and exposed the inner pulp 
  • A large crack or break is present, exposing the pulp 
  • An infection is present 
  • You are experiencing severe pain and sensitivity to hot and cold consumables 

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

The procedure to have a root canal done is a multi step procedure. The process for a Root Canal goes as follows: Dental Endodontic Root Canal Reamer
  • An x-ray must be taken first.- To understand the severity of the tooth’s infection, an x-ray must be taken of the tooth that needs the root canal.
  • The area of the root canal will be numbed, and a rubber dam will be placed in your mouth – The rubber dam acts as a barrier so that the tooth needing the root canal is kept dry and clean.
  • A small hole will be drilled into the tooth-For the tooth to be rid of the infection, a small access hole must be drilled into the tooth using specialized instruments. This hole will allow the dentist to pull out the infection and the pulp.
  • The pulp along with bacteria, the decayed nerve tissue and related debris is removed from the tooth.- Using tiny specialized instruments, the dentist will remove any and all infection in the tooth.
  • The canals of the tooth are thoroughly cleaned, and then sealed  Sealing the tooth prevents any further decay or bacteria from entering the tooth and causing more damage. 
  • A crown will be placed on top of the tooth  Usually because of the extensive damage caused from the infection the tooth is structurally compromised, which leads to having a crown placed on top of the tooth once it has been cleaned and rid of infection. The crown functions just like a normal tooth, restoring it to its normal strength and function. 

Do You Think You Need a Root Canal in Oak Park, IL?  

If you are in need of a root canal, or would like to learn more about root canals, give our office a call today!