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Root Canal Therapy
Stress-Free Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Therapy | Dentist

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that relieves pain and gives an infected or abscessed tooth a second chance. Modern root canals are comfortable and efficient and really no different from any other dental procedure. 

Root Canal Therapy

Deep inside your tooth, underneath enamel and dentin, is an area called the pulp chamber. This part of the tooth contains tissue and nerves that keep the tooth healthy, but pulp can become infected if bacteria enter the area through a fracture, deep decay, or trauma. 

The most obvious sign of an infected tooth is a severe toothache, and the only solution to relieve the pain is to remove the infected pulp with root canal treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Root canals are not surgical procedures, and the recovery time is about the same as a tooth filling. Most people even say the procedure affects them less than a tooth filling! When you have a root canal, your endodontist specialist will clean and seal the tooth to remove any infection.

Root canal treatment takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your infection and the accessibility of your tooth’s canals. You should be able to drive or return to work right after your appointment.

Your endodontist will give you specific instructions for allowing your tooth to heal, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Once the numbness wears off, you may feel some soreness or tenderness for a few days. Some people have a sore jaw after keeping it open for an extended period. Use over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen) to manage pain. If your endodontist prescribes a stronger medication, be sure to have someone drive you home or wait to take it until you’re home.
  • You can eat after the numbness wears off, avoiding sticky or crunchy foods. If you have a temporary dental crown, it’s especially important to be careful about hard foods.
  • Continue to brush and floss your teeth normally, though you may want to use care around the tender areas.
  • Return to your dentist for your permanent restoration, if instructed to do so.

When the interior of your tooth is infected, it can cause a lot of pain and is likely to damage the nerve. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other teeth. Root canal therapy removes the infection and relieves the pain, restoring the tooth and allowing us to save it.

Yes, absolutely! At Palatine Complete Dental, we’re always excited to welcome new patients to our practice. Whether you’re new to the area, looking for a fresh start with a new dental team, or just overdue for a checkup, we’re here to make the process easy and comfortable.

What to Expect at Palatine Complete Dental

As your trusted dentist in Palatine, IL, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate dental care. From your very first visit, you’ll notice that we focus on building real relationships with our patients. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and create a custom plan that fits your unique smile.

Getting Started Is Easy

Scheduling your first appointment is simple. Just give our friendly team a call or request a visit online. We’ll help you find a convenient time that fits your busy schedule. During your first visit, we’ll complete a comprehensive exam, take any necessary x-rays, and discuss any treatments or recommendations to keep your smile healthy.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

At Palatine Complete Dental, we offer a full range of services, from preventive care to cosmetic and restorative treatments, all under one roof. If you’re searching for a dependable dentist in Palatine, IL, we’d love to meet you! Give us a call today at (847) 359-7520

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

Your comfort is our priority, so the first step is to administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth to ensure that you feel no pain during the procedure. Once the anesthetic takes hold, and we are sure the tooth is numb, our dentist creates an opening in the tooth to access the pulp area. We then carefully remove every trace of infected pulp, disinfect the area and fill the area to prevent reinfection.

We allow the tooth to heal for about two weeks, then have you return to our office so we can take an x-ray and ensure the infection is gone. The final step is to place a tooth filling or a dental crown on the tooth to strengthen and protect it so you can chew comfortably again. 

Do I Need a Root Canal?

If you have been experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call our office immediately. You may have a tooth infection that requires immediate treatment.

  • Severe pain in one or more teeth
  • Pain when touching the tooth
  • Pain and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Darkening of one or more teeth
  • A raised bump on the gums
  • A bad taste in your mouth
  • Swelling and tenderness in the gums that may radiate to the cheek

Call our office to make an appointment to see if you need root canal therapy, so we can get you out of pain and save the tooth. 

  • Dr. Michael Subtelny DMD

    Dr. Michael Subtelny DMD

    Dr. Subtelny grew up in Naperville and graduated with Honors from The Ohio State University. He then received his dental degree from Midwestern University in 2018 where he was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. He completed a General Practice Residency at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, gaining additional training in advanced dental procedures such as surgical extractions and implants. He is active in the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society and Chicago ...

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