A root canal is a common dental procedure, it is used to save a tooth that has been damaged or decayed to the point where it is infected. The procedure suffers from bad press, it is not painful as people think, a root canal in Chicago can be accomplished in one or two trips to the dentist who removes dead tissue and bacteria from the inside of the tooth; the root canal.
When would a patient need to have a root canal?
If there is serious infection deep within the tooth, the normal approach to solving the problem is a root canal procedure. The tooth pulp which is below the dentine in a tooth can become infected from bacteria, usually from decay which has not been treated or an injury. If a root canal is not performed, the infection will only get worse, to the point where the only option is extraction.
How does a dentist perform a root canal?
A root canal in Chicago is basically a four stage process which takes place over two visits to the dentist.
* The first thing the dentist does is to administer local anesthesia, this numbs the area that he or she will be working on. Usually a dental dam is placed; this isolates the target tooth, keeping it dry and clean during the root canal procedure.
* Using very small tools not unlike files, the dentist will clean out the damaged and diseased pulp from the pulp chamber.
* Once the pulp chamber is clean, it is filled with gutta-pecha, a material not unlike rubber. The opening is closed with a temporary filling while the crown is being made.
* During the second visits, your dentist will place the crown over the remaining tooth.
Once the procedure has been completed you can return to your normal twice a day brushing and flossing and visits to your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
If you have a tooth that is seriously infected or has been damaged you may need a root canal in Chicago. You are invited to make an appointment with South Loop Dental Specialists.
