Lakeview & North Shore Root Canals

Lakeview & Deerfield Root Canals & Treatments

What is a Root Canal?

If you have been told that you need a root canal, this is a routine procedure designed to save a damaged tooth. Our dentists understand that root canals can be anxiety-inducing for some patients, which is why we do everything to make them as stress-free as possible. Serving both the North Shore of Chicago and Lakeview, Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center has a team of highly qualified dental professionals ready to educate you about our root canal treatment. 

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth, and save the natural tooth. There is no need to be worried if your dentist prescribes you root canal therapy to save your tooth, as millions of teeth are treated and saved every year this way. Put simply, a root canal removes the pulp of your tooth–the soft material inside–to preserve, and ultimately save, a damaged tooth. 

Common Symptoms/Signs You Need a Root Canal

The need for a root canal can arise for a variety of reasons. They are needed for a deep cavity, a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, or issues stemming from a previous filling. Patients who need a root canal tend to notice signs such as:

  • Sensitive teeth, particularly to hot and cold sensations
  • Pimples on the gums
  • Severe pain when chewing or biting
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Deep decay or darkening of the gums
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold, even after the source has been removed

Process and Procedure

Performing a root canal procedure is a multi-step process that involves one or more visits to our dentists to complete. Here is a brief overview of what occurs during the procedure. 

  • Step 1: Tooth Preparation: During this step, the affected tooth is numbed to minimize discomfort. The dentist will then lay a thin rubber dam over the tooth to keep it dry. Afterward, an opening will be created that goes down into the pulp chamber. 
  • Step 2: Pulp Removal: The pulp is removed from both the pulp chamber and the root canal. The entire canal will be cleared in order to get rid of any lurking bacteria. 
  • Step 3: Final Filling: At a follow-up appointment, our dentist will numb the tooth and use the dam to isolate and protect it. The temporary filling will be removed and replaced with a permanent filling before the tooth is topped with a crown. 

How Long Does it Last?

In most cases, root canals will last a lifetime. To ensure their success, you must practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing regularly, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist. 

Get in Touch with Root Canal Dentist in the North Shore and Lakeview 

If you need a root canal procedure completed, call 773-525-5545 or contact Dr. Poncza at Smile On Dental Salon and Sleep Apnea Center to schedule your appointment. We look forward to brightening your smile. 

What is a Root Canal?

If you have been told that you need a root canal, this is a routine procedure designed to save a damaged tooth. Our dentists understand that root canals can be anxiety-inducing for some patients, which is why we do everything to make them as stress-free as possible. Serving both the North Shore of Chicago and Lakeview, Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center has a team of highly qualified dental professionals ready to educate you about our root canal treatment. 

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth, and save the natural tooth. There is no need to be worried if your dentist prescribes you root canal therapy to save your tooth, as millions of teeth are treated and saved every year this way. Put simply, a root canal removes the pulp of your tooth–the soft material inside–to preserve, and ultimately save, a damaged tooth. 

Common Symptoms/Signs You Need a Root Canal

The need for a root canal can arise for a variety of reasons. They are needed for a deep cavity, a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, or issues stemming from a previous filling. Patients who need a root canal tend to notice signs such as:

  • Sensitive teeth, particularly to hot and cold sensations
  • Pimples on the gums
  • Severe pain when chewing or biting
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Deep decay or darkening of the gums
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold, even after the source has been removed

Process and Procedure

Performing a root canal procedure is a multi-step process that involves one or more visits to our dentists to complete. Here is a brief overview of what occurs during the procedure. 

  • Step 1: Tooth Preparation: During this step, the affected tooth is numbed to minimize discomfort. The dentist will then lay a thin rubber dam over the tooth to keep it dry. Afterward, an opening will be created that goes down into the pulp chamber. 
  • Step 2: Pulp Removal: The pulp is removed from both the pulp chamber and the root canal. The entire canal will be cleared in order to get rid of any lurking bacteria. 
  • Step 3: Final Filling: At a follow-up appointment, our dentist will numb the tooth and use the dam to isolate and protect it. The temporary filling will be removed and replaced with a permanent filling before the tooth is topped with a crown. 

How Long Does it Last?

In most cases, root canals will last a lifetime. To ensure their success, you must practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing regularly, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist. 

Get in Touch with Root Canal Dentist in the North Shore and Lakeview 

If you need a root canal procedure completed, call 773-525-5545 or contact Dr. Poncza, Dr. Kujawa or Dr. Singh at Smile On Dental Salon and Sleep Apnea Center to schedule your appointment. We look forward to brightening your smile. 

Are Root Canals Safe?

While your tooth is growing, the pulp is instrumental in helping the tooth along. Once your tooth is fully developed, though, the pulp becomes unnecessary, so having it removed will not cause the tooth, which can be nourished by the tissues surrounding it, to die.

Not only is it safe to have a root canal, when done properly there is very little, if any, discomfort associated with the procedure. The benefit it provides of preserving your smile is well worth the minimal discomfort you will feel during the course of your root canal treatment.

Are Root Canals Safe?

While your tooth is growing, the pulp is instrumental in helping the tooth along. Once your tooth is fully developed, though, the pulp becomes unnecessary, so having it removed will not cause the tooth, which can be nourished by the tissues surrounding it, to die.

Not only is it safe to have a root canal, when done properly there is very little, if any, discomfort associated with the procedure. The benefit it provides of preserving your smile is well worth the minimal discomfort you will feel during the course of your root canal treatment.

Why are Root Canals Performed?

Root canals become necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed, infected, or diseased. The most common identifiers that a root canal may be necessary include things like: pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, severe headaches, and pain from eating, drinking, or pressure on the tooth.

This can be caused by many different things, those these are some of the most common causes:

  • Deep Cavities
  • Cracked Teeth
  • Broken Teeth
  • Inflamed or Infected Nerves in the Tooth
  • Tooth Injuries (even if not visible on the surface of the tooth)
  • Frequent Dental Procedures

This is certainly not an exhaustive list. The need for a root canal is typically determined on a case by case basis.

Why are Root Canals Performed?

Root canals become necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed, infected, or diseased. The most common identifiers that a root canal may be necessary include things like: pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, severe headaches, and pain from eating, drinking, or pressure on the tooth.

This can be caused by many different things, those these are some of the most common causes:

  • Deep Cavities
  • Cracked Teeth
  • Broken Teeth
  • Inflamed or Infected Nerves in the Tooth
  • Tooth Injuries (even if not visible on the surface of the tooth)
  • Frequent Dental Procedures

This is certainly not an exhaustive list. The need for a root canal is typically determined on a case by case basis.

What are the Steps in a Root Canal Procedure?

The root canal procedure is a multi-step process that requires one or more visits to your dentist to complete. These are the primary steps:

  • Step 1 – Preparing the Tooth

    In this step the tooth is numbed to minimize discomfort. Then your dentist will lay a thin rubber dam over the tooth to keep your tooth dry. Afterward, an opening will be created through the crown of the tooth that goes down into the pulp chamber.

  • Step 2 – Removing the Pulp

    Not only is the pulp removed from the pulp chamber, but also from the root canal (which is the space located inside the tooth’s root. The entire canal will be cleaned to get rid of any bacteria that could be lurking. At this time, your dentist may place medicine inside the pulp chamber to aid in the process of removing bacteria. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic at this time if there are signs of an active infection before filling the canal with a temporary filling to prevent contaminates from getting in.

  • Step 3 – The Final Filling

    At a second appointment your dentist will again numb the tooth and use the dam to isolate and protect it. He or she will then remove the temporary filling and replace it with the permanent filling before topping the tooth with a crown to protect the filling and the tooth in the future.A successful root canal and accompanied dental crown not only protects the integrity of the tooth, providing strength and support for many years to come, but also helps to preserve the beauty of your smile.

Call Dr. Poncza at Smile On Dental Salon in Lakeview at: 773-525-5545 to discuss how root canal therapy can help save your tooth.