When your provider recommends a root canal, it’s because decay or infection has reached the center of the tooth. This is a vital area where the nerves and blood vessels live. Left untreated, the problem can spread.
Hannah Baek, DDS, and the rest of the skilled team at Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, provide care that’s both patient-focused and proactive. We help patients understand procedures like root canals and the importance of timely treatment. Prompt evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and treatment are essential to protecting your long-term oral and overall health.
A root canal is more than a deep filling. It removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue inside the tooth, cleans the root canal system, and seals it to prevent future infection. Though many people associate it with pain, the procedure relieves the discomfort caused by the infection.
Modern techniques and local anesthesia make the experience far easier than most expect. Many patients report that it feels no more intense than getting a standard filling.
The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infected pulp and inflamed tissue, clean and shape the canal space, and disinfect the interior to get rid of the infection. Once the area is sealed, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling to protect it from further damage.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia and is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
You should never delay getting help for dental issues. When a root canal is necessary, delaying treatment can open the door to a host of complications.
When an infection inside a tooth goes untreated, bacteria have a likelihood of spreading into the surrounding tissue and forming a dental abscess. This leads to swelling, pain, and often a buildup of pus that can cause major discomfort.
As the infection spreads, it can start to break down the bone around the affected tooth. This weakens the jaw’s structure and can impact neighboring teeth.
When not treated promptly, dental infections pose a major risk of tooth loss. When this happens, tooth extraction is required.
Bacteria from an infected tooth can enter the bloodstream, especially in people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. In rare cases, this can lead to serious complications.
Addressing the problem early often means:
Lower long-term costs by avoiding emergency care or replacement options like implants.
Dental infections don’t resolve on their own, and they don’t stay contained. Early treatment is the most effective way to protect your smile and prevent the spread of infection, which can threaten your overall dental health.
If you've been advised to get a root canal or you're dealing with persistent tooth pain, don’t wait. Contact Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge today to schedule your visit. Our team takes strides to make the process smooth and effective.
