How Root Canals Work

Introduction: What is root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure, which involves removing bacteria from the root canals of an infected or damaged tooth. Often, root canals offer an alternative to tooth extraction. 

Root canal treatment is undertaken when the living tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp, is infected or damaged. Without treatment, the tooth would start to die and it would have to be removed. 

If you have symptoms of severe decay, such as tooth pain, large cavities or heightened sensitivity, you may be wondering how to get a root canal. The best course of action is to see your dentist as soon as possible. The earlier the tooth can be treated, the better.

What does root canal treatment entail?

If your dentist has advised you to have a root canal, it’s natural to have questions about what the procedure entails. Here is what happens when you have root canal treatment:

• Your dentist will administer local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and prevent discomfort
• The dentist will then drill into the tooth to access the root canals
• The decayed and damaged pulp tissue is removed
• The root canals are cleaned thoroughly and then sealed
• A new crown is placed to make the tooth stronger and more attractive

In many cases, a temporary crown is fitted. A new permanent crown will be placed during the second appointment, which is usually around 2 weeks later.

Root canals in Chicago

If you need dental treatment and you’re looking for experienced dentists to perform root canals in Chicago, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the friendly team at Polished.