Root Canal Treatment Arlington Heights

Targeting the Cause of Your Infection & Pain

a 3D illustration showing the cross-section of a tooth

Comfort-focused dentistry is what we provide here at Arlington Smiles Dental Studio, so if it’s recommended that you receive root canal treatment, do not be afraid. While this service is viewed by many as a painful procedure, this is a myth – one that Dr. Seredynski and our team are here to debunk.

Not only is root canal treatment in Arlington Heights safe and pain-free, but it is also designed to target the source of your discomfort, which is an infection. Without this type of crucial care, the only solution would be tooth extraction! If you think you may have a tooth that requires root canal treatment, make sure to call our office to schedule an examination.

Why Choose Arlington Smiles Dental Studio for Root Canal Treatment??

  • Customized Dental Crowns That Deliver Maximum Protection
  • Dentist Who Strives for Perfection with Each Patient’s Results
  • Warm & Welcoming Dental Team with Focus on Patient Comfort

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

a dental patient holding her cheek in pain

The most common sign that indicates the need for root canal treatment is severe and persistent tooth pain. However, that isn’t the only symptom you need to be on the lookout for. Other signs you may need a root canal include:

  • Lingering sensitivity when you have hot or cold foods or beverages
  • Sharp pain when you bite down
  • Dark discoloration of the painful tooth
  • Swelling or redness of the gums surrounding the tooth
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth

As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an emergency visit with our office!

The Root Canal Process

a 3D illustration showing the root canal process

Dr. Seredynski will begin by providing you with local anesthesia. This will numb areas of your mouth so that you do not feel any pain during the appointment. Once you are comfortable and ready to begin, he will prevent moisture from reaching the surgical space by using a dental dam to cover all areas of the mouth except for the affected tooth.

After making a small hole to access the inside of the tooth, he will begin to clear out the root canals and pulp chamber, removing all damaged tissues and infected pulp. He will then sanitize the interior of the tooth in preparation for the gutta-percha, which fills the space once occupied by the pulp and helps maintain the structural integrity of the tooth.

A filling will then be placed to seal off the area from any potential reinfection, and after a few weeks, a customized dental crown will be placed over the tooth so that it can strengthen over time.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

a smiling dental patient after a root canal

One of Dr. Seredynski’s main goals is to preserve your natural teeth and keep all of them inside your mouth, and root canal treatment allows him to do just that. In addition to allowing you to keep your tooth, root canal treatment offers many other benefits, including:

  • Pain relief – The procedure removes the infected or damaged tissue, which is the source of your severe pain.
  • Restores functionality – Since a dental crown is usually placed after the procedure, the tooth regains its strength and shape and is able to function as perfectly as before.
  • Cost-effective – Compared to the price of extracting and replacing a tooth, root canal therapy is a much better deal in the long run.

Root Canal FAQs

Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?

If you are scheduled to be sedated during your root canal treatment, you may need to fast for several hours before your procedure to reduce the risk of nausea. However, patients who will not be sedated should eat a healthy meal and thoroughly brush their teeth at least several hours before receiving a root canal. You’ll also need to abstain from alcohol for twenty-four hours before your procedure since it can interact negatively with the anesthetic. After your root canal, your mouth will be numb for several hours, so it will be important to refrain from chewing until your numbness subsides to prevent oral injuries.

How Much Pain Can I Expect After a Root Canal?

Your root canal procedure will be rendered completely painless by anesthetic treatments, but you can expect to experience some discomfort and soreness for several days afterward. However, it’s important to remember that this discomfort will be temporary, easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers, and far preferable to the miserable agony and unchecked dental destruction that comes with an untreated toothache. While recovering from your root canal, take care to stick to a soft, mild diet that won’t irritate your teeth and gums. You can resume eating normally when you feel comfortable doing so, but contact the team at Arlington Smiles Dental Studio if your pain isn’t getting better after several days or if you notice signs of infections such as swelling or a foul taste in your mouth.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

Most root canal procedures can be completed in a single appointment, but some will require two. If your root canal requires two visits, the first will involve applying temporary antibacterial medicine to the tooth to control the infection and relieve the pain and the second will involve cleaning and rebuilding the inside of your tooth. Your root canal appointment can take thirty to ninety minutes depending on the severity of the damage and the location of the treated tooth. Teeth located further back in the mouth have more complicated anatomy, so it normally takes longer to perform root canals on them.

Do I Need Antibiotics Before or After My Root Canal?

Most patients won’t need antibiotics before or after receiving their root canals, and you will probably only be prescribed them if you have an underlying health condition that makes you more vulnerable to postoperative infections. Please be thorough when discussing your medical history and list of medications with Dr. Seredynski during your consultation at our office in Arlington Heights.