Root Canal Therapy for Blue Island

Root Canal Therapy in Blue Island

When patients hear that they will need root canal therapy, many have the false notion they are in for a painful experience. In reality, if you are in need of this treatment, you have likely already been experiencing tooth pain. Therefore, root canal therapy should be seen as bringing about relief — not pain.

Bright Smile Family Dental has an endodontist on staff, ensuring we can complete endodontic procedures such as root canal therapy. Curious about what all is involved with this type of endodontic treatment? Read on or schedule a consultation on root canal therapy in Blue Island, Illinois.

Why is a Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

Root canal therapy is often recommended when an X-ray or CBCT scan reveals an infection within the inner portion of the tooth. The main goals of root canal therapy are to eliminate the infection and save the tooth and clear out the infection. To achieve these, the dentist drills into the crown of the tooth and removes the infected tissue from the central areas of the tooth, namely the pulp chamber and root canals.

Most patients report the discomfort they experience while undergoing root canal therapy is very similar to having a filling performed. So, if you’re worried about this being a painful procedure, you shouldn’t be!

Signs You May Need a Root Canal Treatment

While it is possible to have an infected tooth and have no symptoms, there are usually some signs that indicate a root canal treatment may be needed. Common symptoms can include any of the following:

• Severe tooth pain when biting or chewing
• Tenderness and inflammation of gum tissue
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
• Tooth takes on a darker, discolored appearance
• Pimple-like bumps on the gums around the tooth.

Can you relate to any of these hallmark symptoms of an inner tooth infection? Call Bright Smile Family Dental for a consultation.

What if I Feel No Pain?

Not all tooth infections result in pain. So, if you’re wondering if you still need a root canal treatment even though you are not experiencing pain, the answer is a solid ‘Yes.’ Pain is only one part of the issue. The real reason you should undergo this procedure is to stop the infection from spreading and to save the tooth from having to be pulled, which would only be the beginning of future complications.

How Much is a 'Root Canal' Without Insurance?

If you do not have dental insurance, one of the first questions you will likely have is, “How much does a ‘root canal’ cost without insurance?” Since rates are calculated by the location and complexity of the case, we can only offer a broad estimate. Without insurance, you can expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $700 and $1,800.

We do accept credit cards and have payment plans available to make the procedure affordable for most budgets.

Step by Step: What to Expect with a Root Canal Procedure

Wondering what all is involved with a root canal treatment? Before any treatment is started, we first conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation, which may include either a CBCT scan or X-ray. Root canal treatments are fairly straightforward procedures and complications are uncommon.

• Prep the area. Before the procedure is started, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Once the area is clean and the nerves are numbed, we will then isolate the tooth using a dental dam. this is essentially a rubber-like membrane that surrounds the tooth in order to maintain a sterile environment.
• Access the pulp chamber. To clear out the infection, we must first access the pulp chamber. To do this, the dentist or endodontist drills a hole through the biting surface of the tooth (occlusal) or the backside of the tooth (lingual).
• Clear out infected tissue. Endodontic tools such as drills, burs, files, and excavators are used to remove infected tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth.
• Fill the tooth. Once all of the infected tissue is removed, the next step is to fill the tooth. To do this, we use a natural, biocompatible material known as gutta-percha. This is derived from a plant similar to a rubber tree.
• Seal and cap it. To prevent reinfection, the tooth is sealed. Depending on the extent of tissue that was removed, a temporary crown may be placed. Before this happens, we will take impressions and these will be sent to the dental laboratory responsible for fabricating your permanent crown. In many instances, a crown is recommended following root canal therapy in order to bolster the structural integrity of the tooth.

Have a Question on Root Canal Therapy?

We’re here to help. Call Bright Smile Family to have all your root canal therapy questions answered or to request a consultation with Dr. Ata.