Root Canals in Bolingbrook, IL

Root canals are an excellent treatment for patients who have an infected tooth but their nerves are still intact. The pulp of a tooth consists of blood vessels, nerves, and tissue. It can be damaged due to deep cavities, trauma, or a tooth fracture. When bacteria reach the nerve of a tooth, it can cause swelling, severe pain, and abscesses. The infected tissue will be removed, the root canal will be cleaned and sealed, and the tooth will be restored with a crown. It is often considered the last resort to save a severely infected tooth.

Signs you may need a root canal

You may need a root canal if there’s an infection in your tooth. Some signs of infection include:

• A dental abscess, which is a collection of pus at the root of the tooth.
• Pain when biting down or putting pressure on the tooth.
• Discolored or darkening of the tooth.

Root canal procedure

During a root canal, your dentist will first administer local anesthesia before making a hole in your infected tooth. Next, we will remove the infected pulp from your tooth using dental files and a jet of water. Once we clean the canal thoroughly and make sure all the bacterial deposits are removed, we will fill it with a special material called gutta-percha.

Alternatives to root canals

If your dentist suggests that you need a root canal, you might feel nervous at the thought of the procedure. However, while root canals aren’t the most pleasant experience, they actually offer patients relief from serious tooth pain. Here are a few alternatives that your dentist may suggest:

• Dental crowns: Dental crowns are often used to repair severely damaged teeth. They cover the entire tooth and are used to replace a large filling when decay has spread through the tooth.
• Fillings: Tooth-colored fillings are a great alternative to a root canal. Tooth-colored fillings repair small cavities and can often be completed in one appointment.
• Extraction: Extractions are sometimes used instead of getting a root canal. However, they are only used as a last resort when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Solace Dental, call Dentist in Bolingbrook IL at (630) 759-3595 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 287 N Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, IL, 60490.