Root Canal Therapy in Wheaton, IL
A root canal has a reputation it does not deserve. In reality, root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to save a severely infected tooth and eliminate the intense pain that brought you to the dentist in the first place. At 20/32 Dental Co. in Wheaton, IL, Dr. de la Fuente performs gentle, efficient root canal therapy using modern techniques that make the experience far more comfortable than most patients expect. We provide root canal treatment for patients from Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and across DuPage County.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, repeated dental procedures, or trauma, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and eventually an abscess.
Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored with a dental crown to protect it and return it to full function. The result is a saved natural tooth that can last a lifetime.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Contact our office right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe, persistent toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums
- A recurring pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
Not all infected teeth produce pain. Sometimes the infection is discovered during a routine dental exam through X-rays. This is one more reason regular checkups are so important.
The Root Canal Process
Step 1: Diagnosis
Dr. de la Fuente examines the tooth, takes digital X-rays, and confirms the diagnosis. She explains the procedure and answers any questions you may have.
Step 2: Anesthesia
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia. Sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious.
Step 3: Pulp Removal
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth, and the infected pulp is carefully removed from the root canals. The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
Step 4: Filling and Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
Step 5: Crown Placement
A dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. With our same-day crown technology, this can often be completed in the same visit.
Why Save the Tooth?
Nothing Beats a Natural Tooth
Your natural tooth is always the best option. It preserves your bite, maintains bone density, and functions better than any replacement.
Avoid More Complex Procedures
Extracting a tooth creates a gap that needs to be filled with an implant, bridge, or partial denture — all of which are more expensive and involved than a root canal.
Pain Relief
A root canal eliminates the source of infection and pain. Most patients feel immediate relief after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
Modern root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia and is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients are surprised by how painless the procedure is. The tooth pain you experienced before the root canal is actually far worse than the treatment itself.
Most root canals are completed in one to two appointments, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. The exact duration depends on the tooth being treated and the complexity of the root system.
After the root canal, the tooth will need a dental crown to protect it from fracturing. Some mild tenderness is normal for a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Dr. de la Fuente will provide detailed aftercare instructions.
Root canals have a success rate of over 95 percent. In rare cases where infection returns, retreatment or a minor surgical procedure called an apicoectomy may be recommended.
Save Your Tooth and Stop the Pain
Root canal therapy relieves pain and preserves your natural tooth. Schedule your appointment at our Wheaton, IL office today.
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