Root Canal Treatment for an Infected Tooth in Lisle, IL
When there is an infection deep within a tooth, root canal therapy is a method that can remove the infection without the need to extract the tooth. At Lisle Family Dentistry, we prefer to help patients keep their natural teeth whenever possible, and a root canal filling is a great way to save an infected tooth.
Keep in mind that an untreated tooth can cause infection in the surrounding teeth and gums. So, it’s important to complete a root canal filling treatment as soon as possible if you have an infection or abscess in the tooth.
How Root Canals Work
When root canal therapy is necessary, it means that there is an infection deep within the center of the tooth. A dentist can drill into the tooth and remove the decay. Once the infection is cleaned out, materials are placed within the tooth to seal it and strengthen the remaining structure of the tooth.
The good news is that getting a root canal filling is comparable to a simple filling. Modern technology allows us to remove the infected area of the tooth quickly and effectively, helping to minimize your discomfort during the treatment. Our goal is to eliminate the infection and preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Root Canal and Tooth Restoration
When you have root canal therapy, our team will also discuss other restorative treatments to go with the root canal filling. The tooth is weakened by the amount of tissue that needs to be removed to get rid of the infection. So, we fill the middle of the tooth with strong materials and often top the tooth with a strong crown.
This crown prevents additional issues in the future because you are protecting the remaining portion of the tooth. A good root canal therapy and a crown can last for many years, offering a long-term solution to save your tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
1. Will insurance pay for it?
Many insurance policies will pay for part of the procedure, but it depends on your plan and provider. Talk to our staff at Lisle Family Dentistry before the treatment to estimate your out-of-pocket costs for this treatment.
2. Will I experience pain after a root canal?
The good news is that the nerves are removed during the root canal, which helps to minimize the pain you will feel in that tooth. But it’s normal to experience sensitivity and tenderness for a few days after the treatment. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to manage the pain.
3. How long is the procedure?
Most treatments are complete within 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your infection and which tooth is affected. Sometimes, they can be completed in one appointment. Other times, it’s necessary to schedule multiple visits so the dentist can disinfect the tooth a second time before filling it.