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Dec
Root Canal Services: Relief from Pain and Preservation of Your Smile
If you’re experiencing a toothache that just won’t go away, there’s a good chance you might need a root canal to resolve the issue. Despite its bad reputation, root canal therapies ultimately deliver lasting pain relief.
There are few things worse than waking up in the middle of the night with a throbbing toothache. Depending on the cause, this pain can turn your life upside down, and without treatment, it only gets worse.
At Irvington Dental, Drs. Joon Han and Jae Yeon Choi can provide safe and effective root canal treatment that can relieve you of pain while saving your infected tooth.
What is a Root Canal and Why Would I Need One?
A root canal is a restorative procedure designed to save an infected or severely damaged tooth. Inside your teeth is a collection of blood vessels and nerves called the pulp. The pulp can become inflamed due to infection or tooth decay. When this happens, you may experience intense pain, swelling, and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
By removing the infected pulp tissue, cleaning the inside of your tooth, and sealing it, Drs. Han and Choi can prevent the infection from spreading and save your natural tooth while giving you much-needed pain relief.
Without this treatment, you may have to get your tooth extracted, which can cause other complications, such as shifting teeth and bone loss.
Are the Stories I’ve Heard About Root Canals True? Do They Hurt?
The mere mention of “root canal” can cause many people with dental anxiety to break out into a cold sweat. But the truth is that root canals are no more painful than getting a filling.
With modern dental techniques in combination with anesthesia, Drs. Han and Choi can ensure you are completely comfortable throughout the procedure.
Most clients tell us how the pain from the infection far outweighs any discomfort they experience during and after the root canal.
After the procedure, you may experience some lingering discomfort, but this can be easily managed with most over-the-counter pain medication. Before you know it, you’ll be back on your normal routine.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
A root canal isn’t a quick procedure; it usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the severity of the infection and other possible complications. However, most root canals are completed within one or two visits.
During your first visit, Dr. Han or Dr. Choi removes the infected pulp, cleans your tooth, and places your temporary crown.
Then, during your follow-up visit, you’ll receive your custom-made permeant crown.
Think of the crown as a tooth-shaped suit of armor that fits perfectly over your natural tooth, protecting it from further damage.
How Can I Avoid the Need for a Root Canal?
The best way to avoid ever needing a root canal is to follow a good daily oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing daily, along with at least two visits to our office a year, can go a long way in preventing tooth decay and gum infections.
You can also reduce or eliminate tooth-damaging habits, such as chewing ice or grinding your teeth, which causes wear and tear.
That said, keep in mind accidents can happen, such as sudden trauma that may necessitate the need for a root canal.
If I Need a Root Canal, How Do I Get Started?
If you have a persistent toothache and think you might need a root canal, please don’t put off seeking professional help. Call Irvington Dental in Streamwood, Illinois, to schedule your consultation with Dr. Han or Dr. Choi. Our phone number is (331) 245-2969. Relief is just a call away.
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Irvington Dental
Dr. Joon Han
Dr. Joon Han, a Board-Certified Prosthodontist, the owner of Irvington Dental, and founder of Scharrington Dental is dedicated to providing top-tier dental care in Schaumburg, IL. He holds a BA in Chemistry and Music from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master's in Chemistry from the University of Illinois – Chicago, and a DDS from the University of Illinois – College of Dentistry, where he received the Howard Kubuki Award for Clinical Excellence. As one of only 31 Board Certified Prosthodontists in Illinois and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, Dr. Han's comprehensive expertise and collaboration with specialists ensure trusted, exceptional patient care.