23
Apr
You Asked, We Answered: The 5 Most Common Questions About Root Canals
No one wants to hear they need a root canal, but this procedure is necessary to resolve pain and save your tooth from extraction. Don’t let an infected or damaged tooth affect your oral health or comfort. Welcome to Irvington Dental for gentle and effective root canals. Drs. Jae Yeon Choi, Joshua Rhee, and Joon Han combine personalized care and modern technology to achieve remarkable root canal outcomes.
What you need to know about root canals
Many patients ask several questions about root canal treatment. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this tooth-saving procedure. If you don’t see what you are looking for, feel free to contact our office.
How do I know I need a root canal?
Each tooth has a pulp chamber containing nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues. While the pulp is protected by the hard outer covering (enamel), decay, failed dental procedures, or deep cracks can allow harmful bacteria into the sensitive tissues.
Harmful bacteria inflame your pulp, and symptoms include:
- Excruciating toothaches, especially when biting or chewing
- Tooth discoloration (your tooth turns brown or dark)
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold substances
- Swollen gums or tenderness
- A pimple-like swelling near the infected tooth (dental abscess)
If you have an infected tooth, visit your Streamwood root canal dentist immediately. Root canal treatment relieves pain and saves your tooth from extraction.
What does the root canal procedure involve?
Knowing what the procedure involves makes your experience less daunting. The procedure involves removing the diseased tissues—not the root of the tooth. The procedure is completed in one visit, but you need a follow-up appointment to restore the tooth.
The dentist will inspect your tooth and create a small hole on your tooth. Then, the dentist uses the access hole to remove the infected tissues. We’ll thoroughly clean and disinfect the root canals before filling them with gutta-percha. The final step is to restore your tooth with a customized crown.
Are root canals painful?
Gone are the days when root canals were something to dread. We are not in the 1960s—modern root canal treatments are virtually painless. The dentist uses gentle techniques and powerful anesthetics to ensure a painless experience. Even better, our office offers several sedation dentistry options for added comfort. If fear has been holding you back, rest assured that today’s root canals are nothing like the horror stories of the past!
Do root canals cause disease?
No! This common myth is based on outdated and debunked research from nearly a century ago. Modern root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to remove infection from a tooth. It doesn’t increase the risk of any disease.
Are extractions better than root canals?
Dental extractions resolve pain and infection but leave a gap that must be filled with a dental implant or bridge. Nothing is quite like your natural tooth. A root canal preserves your natural tooth and saves your wallet from costly replacements.
Meet your root canal dentist near Streamwood, Illinois!
Do you have tooth pain? Allow us to care for your smile with painless root canals in Streamwood, Illinois. Instead of causing pain, our root canals end the discomfort and allow you to keep your tooth. Call (331) 245-2969 and schedule your appointment with Irvington Dental.
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Irvington Dental
Dr. Jae Yeon Choi
Dr. Jae Yeon Choi is a dedicated dental professional with a strong foundation in the field, sparked by her high school passion. She completed a rigorous 7-year joint degree program at Adelphi University and New York University College of Dentistry, followed by an intensive general practice residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Choi excels in complex treatment planning, dental implants, extractions, and root canals. Her hospital experience has honed her skills in treating diverse patients and managing complex procedures. Dr. Choi prioritizes patient comfort and individualized care, ensuring a stress-free dental experience. Trust Dr. Choi with your dental care and experience her commitment to excellence.
Dr. Joshua Rhee
Dr. Joshua Rhee Dr. Joshua Rhee is a compassionate dentist in Champaign, Illinois, with a strong foundation in biology from Wheaton College and advanced dental training from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He completed a General Practice Residency at Evanston Northshore Healthcare, further enhancing his expertise. With extensive experience in private practice, Dr. Rhee specializes in extractions, root canals, and emergency treatments. As an active member of the ADA, AGD, and CDS, he is dedicated to providing excellent patient care. Dr. Rhee prioritizes building meaningful relationships, ensuring a stress-free and supportive dental experience for all his patients.