Over the years, root canal therapy has saved literally thousands of adult teeth from extraction. So, despite what you may have heard about this restorative procedure, it's very successful and comfortable, too, particularly in the capable hands of Dr. Allen Monomgan, Dr. Matthew Flak and Dr. Kara Passolt-Kung at The Dental Practice of Lincoln Park. Do you know the signs which indicate you may need a root canal in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL?

The troubled tooth

Despite our best efforts, tooth injury, decay and abscess happen, threatening the function and health of a tooth. Rather than extracting it, however, your dentist may perform root canal therapy, a common restorative service which removes the soft pulp from deep inside a tooth and each of its root canals.

Also called endodontic therapy, a root canal takes two visits at The Dental Practice of Lincoln Park. X-rays and visual inspection confirm the need for this restorative treatment as do the following symptoms of dental trouble:

• Persistent toothache pain
• Dental sensitivity to temperature extremes
• Redness and puffiness of the gums
• Jaw swelling
• Bad breath
• Drainage
• Tooth discoloration

The procedure

For optimal comfort during a root canal, the patient typically needs nothing more than locally injected anesthetic. Then, the dentist accesses the first root canal (there may be up to four in a single tooth) by drilling a small access hole. He or she then employs small, flexible metal files of increasing size to remove the diseased pulp and to prepare the canal walls for a sealant called gutta-percha. After all canals are cleaned, disinfected, smoothed and sealed, the dentist places a temporary filling or crown over the tooth to protect it as it heals.

Over the next week to ten days, the patient treats the tooth gently, eating a soft diet and taking over the counter analgesics as needed. Upon returning to The Dental Practice of Lincoln Park, the doctor removes the crown and bonds a permanent, custom-crafted one in place.

Do you need a root canal?

If you do, expect good results. Most root canal procedures are highly successful and long-lasting says Dear Doctor magazine. In fact, the American Association of Endodontists maintains that most teeth restored in this way last indefinitely. However, good brushing and flossing practices are essential as are six-month check-ups and cleanings at The Dental Practice of Lincoln Park.

Root canals save teeth

If you have a cracked, infected or deeply decayed tooth, root canal therapy most likely could save it. Phone The Dental Practice of Lincoln Park for an appointment with one of our highly skilled dentists: (773) 935-9818. Why not keep that tooth?