A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth that is badly decayed and/or infected. Nerve and pulp, the soft area within the center of the tooth, can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. In reality, most patients report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to dental care is truly the painful period of time, not the root canal procedure itself.
The root canal procedure should relieve the pain you feel. Until your root canal procedure is completely finished – that is to say, the permanent filling is in place and/or the crown is placed, it is wise to minimize chewing on the tooth under repair. This step will help avoid re-contamination of the interior of the tooth and also may prevent a fragile tooth from breaking before the tooth can be fully restored. For the first few days following completion of treatment, the tooth may feel sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure.
As far as oral health care is concerned, brush and floss as you regularly would and see your dentist at normally scheduled intervals. The final step of the root canal procedure is application of a restoration such as a crown, to cover and protect the tooth.
With our team at Elgin Dental Care, you can rest assured that our commitment to high-quality care puts your goals and comfort first. We treat you like family and always recommend the most appropriate care options like root canals when needed, to keep you smiling in the years to come.
New patient review: I believe in the power of reviews when it comes to finding somewhere that you like. Especially medically. I have severe trauma when it comes to going to dentist since I was a chil... Read More
When my dentist retired I was worried about finding a new one. I had my dentist for years and he knew me well. I have had TMJ surgery in the past and it’s not easy for me to get stuff done, even cl... Read More
I’ve had a cleaning, exam, crown and filling. Everything was done perfectly. I highly recommend Dr Breen and his staff.
New patient review: I believe in the power of reviews when it comes to finding somewhere that you like. Especially medically. I have severe trauma when it comes to going to dentist since I was a child. In other offices as a child I would have dentist butcher my teeth for a small cavity causing a huge filling. I have had hygienist when doing the bite wings to get X-rays, they would frustrated as I am physically crying because it hurts and they will jam them farther in my mouth and rotate cutting my mouth. Plus I have 25 years of an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder that caused significant vitamin deficiency so that doesn’t help as every time I see a dentist I always have a cavity. My old dentist who I traveled a hour to see retired, so I was forced to find a new dentist. I didn’t take the task lightly and really dug around. Found google reviews, found all recommendations on elgins Facebook page, and asked others. So then I checked my insurance website and it said Elgin Dental Care takes my insurance. When I called to make an appointment, I was greeted with such kindness and helpfulness. Checked to make sure my insurance would be accepted and she called me back. Made an appointment rather quickly. I needed the regular cleaning, X-rays but more importantly I had a tooth causing pain. So because of how I was greeted on the phone I was hoping it would transfer when seeing the dentist and everyone else. I arrived at my appointment 5 mins before my scheduled time. Waited 10 mins and then I was seen. I explained how nervous I am and some of my trauma. And they were a bit speechless that, that has occurred. She was sooooo sweet. And explained we were focusing on the pain today and then another visit will have to be for the X-rays and cleaning. She got a few X-rays to find out the problem and the doctor came in to explain. I had an older filling on a molar and it appears to have fractured. So it needs a crown. I kind of expected it as 3 dentist’s ago butchered the rather small cavity and filled it in rather largely. My last dentist redid the filling roughly 3 years ago but explained he wasn’t sure how long it would hold. And here we are. The doctor explained that where I was feeling pain wasn’t where the fracture and decay was. But there was decay in the fracture that did go deep. He put a barrier in and hopefully can save my roots. Fingers crossed he can and I won’t need a root canal. I liked that after we discussed everything, then the one I made the appointment with came in the room to breakdown the cost of everything. She explained it. Instead of me heading out and talking about money at the front desk, she came to me which I thought was very respectful. I was able to pay half up front and can pay the other half when I come back for the permanent crown. So we went ahead with putting in a temp. I was able to get the process rolling immediately which I appreciate. I will edit once I get the permanent crown in to discuss how it fits and the process. And how having a temp in will go for the next 2-3 weeks. But I do recommend the office for kindness. People who have anxiety and real trauma from other facilities. And I felt absolutely no pain outside of the small part of the initial shot to numb my mouth. He stopped consistently to ask if I was okay and comfortable. He explained everything which I appreciate. And I absolutely loved how he talked to his colleagues. He talked with kindness and respect. I’ve seen other dentist yell and be rude to their colleagues. But not at this place. He says please and thank you. Talks calmly.
When my dentist retired I was worried about finding a new one. I had my dentist for years and he knew me well. I have had TMJ surgery in the past and it’s not easy for me to get stuff done, even cleanings. However Dr Breen and his staff at Elgin Dental were GREAT! They were friendly and made me feel very welcome. Tammy was so caring about how I was doing while she cleaned my teeth. I needed to see a specialist as well and even then, the specialist needed some X-rays from Dr Breen and it was sent immediately. I was very pleased with everyone! They even explained all my costs after insurance. I highly recommend Dr Breen. It’s nice to know I found another great dentist after mine retired. Oh and Sheryl was so helpful and caring from the moment I walked in there.
I’ve had a cleaning, exam, crown and filling. Everything was done perfectly. I highly recommend Dr Breen and his staff.