Root canal therapy provides an effective treatment when infection or inflammation threatens your tooth's overall structure. This therapy, 
performed by Drs. John, Sheila, and Frances Lynch of Lynch Dental Center in Chicago and River Forest, IL, can end your pain and save your tooth—read on to learn how!
Why are root canals needed?
Root canal therapy is necessary when the soft pulp in the center of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Although this pulp once played an essential role during the formation of your tooth, it is no longer crucial to your dental health once your teeth are fully formed. During the therapy, your dentist removes the pulp and replaces it with a filling, thus eliminating the infection and saving your tooth.
How can I tell if I need a root canal?
You don't have to be in excruciating pain to need a root canal. In fact, during the initial stages, your pain may be mild, and only occasionally occurring. Unfortunately, the pain will return and may become strong, steady, and throbbing if you ignore it. Your pain might also increase when you consume foods/beverages if you have an infection or inflammation that are hot, cold, or sugary
Other symptoms can include gum tenderness/swelling, the darkening of your tooth, or a bacterial abscess. If you have an abscess, you may experience severe pain in your tooth and jaw, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swollen gums, pus around the tooth, or general facial swelling. Call your dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, for abscesses are considered dental emergencies.
What happens during a root canal?
Despite the jokes, root canal therapy isn't painful—you will receive a local anesthetic prior to the start of the procedure, thus eliminating discomfort during any part of the treatment. After your dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, they will clean the interior of the tooth, and shape the root canals before adding a rubber-based filling. With the pulp removed, your tooth will return to healthy, pain-free state!
Concerned? Give us a call
If you're worried about your dental health, schedule an appointment with Drs. John, Sheila, and Frances Lynch of Lynch Dental Center in both River Forest and Chicago, IL. Dial (708) 366-6411 for the River Forest location, or (312) 263-3235 for the Chicago office.
