Root Canal Therapy – Evanston, IL
One of the Most Reliable Tooth-Saving Procedures
While it might seem common to experience some tooth pain or sensitivity now and then, these sensations should never be ignored. In many cases, this can be a sign of more serious issues developing in your mouth that you might not be able to see. If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, you may require root canal therapy in Evanston. Though this procedure may appear overwhelming at first, it’s one of the most pain-free and reliable methods for preserving your pearly whites. Read on to learn more or give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
Why Choose Bowdental of Evanston for Root Canal Therapy?
- Provides Sedation Dentistry for Complete Relaxation
- Accepts Insurance & Offers Flexible Financing
- Dedicated, Experienced, & Compassionate Dental Team
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Just because you’re experiencing a toothache doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need to undergo root canal therapy. This procedure is usually reserved for patients who are suffering from severely damaged, decayed or infected teeth that can’t be addressed with other restorative treatments, such as a filling or dental crown. Generally speaking, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing one of the following symptoms:
- Intense toothache that persists longer than a day
- Sharp pain when chewing or biting down
- Sensitivity to cold and/or hot temperatures
- Red or swollen gum tissue
- A small bump on the gums near the painful tooth
The Root Canal Process
Although many people assume root canal therapy is uncomfortable, the procedure is specifically designed to alleviate discomfort while saving your tooth. Furthermore, our team will first numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to keep you completely safe and comfortable throughout your appointment. We can also provide you with sedation dentistry to ensure that you remain relaxed and stress-free during your visit. After we’ve confirmed that the effects are working, we can begin the process.
Your dentist will make a tiny hole in your enamel so that they can access the inner layer of your tooth (pulp). They’ll then remove all damaged and infected tissue from within before cleaning and disinfecting the area to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Our team will fill the area with biocompatible material before topping it off with a dental crown for a comfortable and natural-looking result!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is a virtually painless procedure that can help you avoid future complications and oral health problems later on. You can expect to appreciate the following advantages of this treatment:
- Pain-free treatment – With local anesthesia and sedation dentistry, you should expect to experience a smooth and straightforward process for preserving your tooth.
- Tooth preservation – Saving a tooth instead of extracting it can save you time, money, and trouble in the future.
- Healthy pearly whites – By removing all damaged and/or infected tissues that are causing pain, you’ll be able to enjoy a stronger, healthier, and more comfortable smile in the long run.
Root Canal FAQs
Has your dentist recommended that you get root canal therapy to save a tooth? Even though you should have nothing to worry about, it’s normal to have some concerns before undergoing a dental procedure. Fortunately, we’ve compiled and answered a list of some of the most commonly asked questions we get about this tooth-saving treatment from our patients. This way you can feel well-informed and confident about the process before arriving at your appointment. Keep reading or reach out to us if you don’t see the information you’re looking for about root canal therapy in Evanston.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
You should expect an incredibly high success rate with your root canal. The majority of these procedures result in healthy teeth that are capable of providing the necessary chewing ability for you to enjoy a comfortable smile. That said, the longevity of your root canal will vary based on certain factors, such as the extent of damage or infection to the tooth. With proper care and routine dental checkups, you should expect your treatment results to last many years to a lifetime.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
We typically advise our patients to eat a healthy and plentiful meal before their appointment, as this will be difficult to do for some time after their appointment. You’ll also want to avoid alcohol and tobacco products before your procedure, as they can interfere with the numbing agents used for your treatment. We may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen, before coming to our office to minimize discomfort when the numbing effects wear off. Getting plenty of rest the night before can also help ease your nerves and prepare your immune system for a smooth recovery.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Although antibiotics can address bacterial infections in other parts of your body, they won’t be effective against tooth infections. Unlike the rest of your vital areas, the bloodstream does not reach the pulp of your teeth. Since antibiotics travel through the bloodstream to target infected parts, they won’t be able to fight against bacteria or infection in your pearly whites. For this reason, a root canal (or even a tooth extraction for more serious situations) would be the only option for treating an infection in the tooth.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
The recovery time for root canal therapy varies from person to person. Most people can typically go back to work or school 24 hours after their appointment. However, if your job requires strenuous activity, you may need to take a couple of days off from work to get enough rest. It’s normal to experience some soreness and sensitivity for several days, but you should be able to easily manage these sensations with over-the-counter/prescribed pain relievers. During your recovery, make sure to stick with soft foods and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Be gentle while brushing and flossing around the treated tooth.