Root Canal Treatment in Villa Park
When a tooth is infected or damaged deep inside, timely treatment may help relieve symptoms and preserve the natural tooth. Looking for a root canal or endodontist near Villa Park? Our office provides evaluation and treatment right here, including emergency root canal appointments when needed.
Sealing the Inside of the Tooth After It's Been Cleaned
Inside each tooth is a space containing nerves and blood vessels. When this tissue becomes inflamed or infected, often from a deep cavity, crack, or repeated dental work, endodontic (root canal) treatment can remove the damaged tissue, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and seal it.
Whenever Possible, We Want to Preserve Your Natural Tooth
Root canal treatment is often successful at relieving pain and saving a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. Saving the tooth isn't guaranteed in every case, and your dentist will discuss your specific outlook after an evaluation.
Could Your Tooth Need Endodontic Treatment?
Persistent Toothache
Pain that lingers or keeps coming back.
Hot or Cold Sensitivity
Discomfort that lingers after the hot or cold is gone.
Pain When Biting
Sharp or dull pain when chewing or applying pressure.
Swelling or Tender Gums
Swelling near a tooth or gums that are tender to the touch, sometimes a sign of a dental abscess (infection).
Darkening or Discoloration
A tooth that appears darker than the teeth around it.
These symptoms can have several causes. Only a dental examination can determine what is happening.
What to Expect
- Evaluation. We discuss your symptoms and examine the tooth.
- Diagnostic Imaging. An X-ray helps confirm what's happening below the surface.
- Diagnosis. Your dentist explains what's going on and your treatment options.
- Treatment. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed.
- Restoration. A tooth treated with root canal therapy often needs a final restoration, such as a crown, depending on the tooth and the amount of remaining structure.
- Follow-Up. We check that the tooth is healing as expected.
Severe Tooth Pain? Don't Wait.
If you're in significant pain or notice swelling, call our office promptly. Waiting can allow symptoms to worsen.
What Does It Cost?
Root canal treatment varies depending on the tooth and complexity of the case. Your treatment coordinator will go over the cost with you before treatment begins.
Common Questions
Is a root canal painful?
The treatment itself is done with local anesthesia, so most patients don't feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is common and usually manageable, similar to other dental procedures.
How long does a root canal take?
It depends on the tooth and the complexity of the case. Often one to two appointments, though your dentist will give you a better estimate after an evaluation.
Why would I need a crown after a root canal?
A tooth treated with root canal therapy often needs a final restoration such as a crown, depending on the tooth and how much natural structure remains, to protect it from cracking under normal biting pressure.
Can a root canal save my tooth?
Whenever possible, we want to preserve your natural tooth, and root canal treatment is often successful. However, saving the tooth isn't guaranteed in every case. Your dentist will discuss your specific outlook after an evaluation.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Symptoms like a persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, or swelling can have several causes. Only a dental examination can determine what's happening.
What happens if I don't treat an infected tooth?
An untreated infection can worsen over time. Facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly worsening symptoms can require urgent medical attention. Call our office promptly if you're experiencing symptoms.
Does dental insurance cover root canals?
Many PPO plans cover a portion of root canal treatment. See the dental insurance plans we work with, or call our office and we'll help you understand your specific benefits.
Can membership savings apply?
Ask our team how your membership savings apply to your specific root canal and restoration treatment.
Tooth Pain Shouldn't Be Something You Have to Push Through.
Schedule an evaluation and we'll help you understand what's happening and what to do next.